
tr 






THE 



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OR 



WASHINGTON RECONSTRUCTED. 



A BURLESQUE IN THREE ACTS, 



BY 



BEN. HORST 



BALTIMORE : 
John W. Woods, Piuktkh, 

No. 12 South Street. 
1874. 



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&B 



THE 



ttttfymatt af \\t €<rfoq 



OR 



WASHINGTON RECONSTRUCTED. 



A BURLESQUE IN THREE ACTS, 



BY 



BEN. HOKST. 



BALTIMORE : 

John W. Woods, Printer, 

No. 12 South Street. 

1874, 






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■p\ 



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Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by E. G. Fast, in the 
office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS 



♦Capt. GEORGE WASHINGTON, Shoemaker, great Ward 
Politician and Orator. 

HENRY KLEIN, his journeyman. 

*WILLIAM, son of Mrs. Colonel Fancy, 14 years old. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEY. 

FOOTMAN. 

BANK CLERK. 

*Mrs. Colonel FANCY, an unprotected widow, desperately 
in love with the Captain. 

JOSEPHINE, her servant, engaged to Henry. 

Mrs. ELLEN SMITH, Justice of the Peace and Presiding 
Judge of Police Court. 

HUSBAND and BABY to Mrs. Just. Smith. 

+POTOMAC, an old recluse from the neighborhood of Wash- 
ington. 

tTIBER, a clever Naiad. 

NEPTUNE, an impostor. 

Clerk, Crier. Bailiff of Police Court, Policemen, Masks, People, 
Mortals and Immortals. 



* Of African descent. t Immortals 



COSTUMES. 



MORTALS. 

Suiting the character, and in compliance with fashion. 

According to the mutual transformation of Gapt. and Henry, the 
performer of Gapt. taking the part of Henry, and vice versa, the two 
actors to exchange their dresses for Act II and Act III, Scenes 1 and 
2, re-exchanging them for the concluding Scene when reassuming 
their proper characters. 

IMMORTALS. 

POTOMAC — First Dress. — Fleshings, loose gray shirt, girdle 
of sea weed, green drapery. Head crowned with seaweed, 
long gray hair and beard. Second Dress. — Act I, Scene 
2, Act II and Act III, Scene 3, plain modern dress. 

TIBER — First Dress. — Silk flesh dress, leno robe with girdle 
of sea weed, blue Pers. drapery, coral head dress and green 
veil, shovered. Second Dress. — Act I, Scene 2, Act II 
and Act III, Scene 3, plain modern dress. 

NYMPHS. — As Tiber first dress, plainer with variations ad lib. 

FOLLOWERS.— According to character. 



THE GENTLEMAN OF THE COLOR 

OR 

Washington Reconstructed. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — Night; moonlight view. Bank of the Potomac 
river. In the background, the City of Washington, the 
Capitol in sight. Potomac and Tiber. 

Potomac. I pity thee, my daughter ! Thou hast suf- 
fered great wrongs at the hands of the mortals ! 

Tiber. I have not yet told thee the worst. They have 
not only hemmed the free motion of my limbs with artful 
banks and pitfalls — destroyed with reckless hands the hab- 
itations of my people, even Swam-poodle, the time hon- 
ored play-ground of the most peaceful of my subjects— no ! 
Oh, I shudder when I even think of it ! Father Potomac! 
Living and immortal I have been coffined ! The remain- 
der of my domain they have enclosed with a cover of earth 
and stones, and excluded me and mine from the light, from 
sun, moon and stars! Father Potomac, the Tiber has 
ceased to be, and I am here to beg of thee to receive me 
and mine into thy bosom. They are near at hand, and 
await thy permission to unite their request with mine ! 
Father Potomac, thrust not thy daughter away from thee ! 

Potomac. Thou tellest me wonderful things, things 
which make me anxious even for my own existence, inas- 
much as I too have been frequently wronged by these 
strange beings. Although mortal, yet they must be strong 
and mighty in body and mind, and surely cannot envy 
even us immortals. 

Tiber. They are neither mighty in body or mind, but 
ingenious, and above all, they can boast of a remarkable 
quality, which I am am at a loss how to define: they are 
smart. 



6 

Potomac. Smart! I never — ! I will grant thy request 
my daughter, but before doing so, I would like to observe 
for myself the doings of those strange creatures. Meet me 
to-morrow at sunset on this spot, thou shalt be my guide. — 
Call thy people that they may meet mine, with whom they 
shall be united in future ! — 

Potomac and Tiber waving their hands in opposite direct- 
ions. Appropriate music . Entering Nymphs and ani- 
mal inhabitants of the respective waters. Forming of 
Tableau. Potomac and Tiber m centre. Dance. 
Tableau. 



Scene II. — Shoemaker workshop of Capt. George, Washing- 
ton. In front tioo work-benches, one to the right and the 
other to the left, with complete outfit ; old shoes and boots 
lying about them. To the right, old-fashioned clock with 
large dial prominently visible, behind it a table with a 
cover reaching the floor, water pitcher and some tumblers. 
To left, an old sofa, with high side-arms, standing along 
the wall Some chairs about the room Door in centre. 
Captain sitting on bench to left, working. 

Capt. (laughing.) Never was in greater spirits ! Man- 
aged to have Henry arrested. — When Josephine calls to 
see him 1 will have an opportunity to talk with her alone. 
(knocks) There she comes. Come in ! — 

Enter Footman, carrying a parcel. 

Footman. Morning, master ! My lady sends me with 
some shoes for speedy repair. I'll call to-morrow and 
fetch them. 

Capt. I'll spare you the trouble. You may fetch them 
now, and yourself too, and be 

Footman. What's the matter, master ? I fear you mis- 
understood — 

(Japt. What the matter is, sir? I am not your "master," 
sir ! I won't be mastered by you or any one else, sir ! I 
am Captain George Washington, that's what's the matter, 
sir! And now, sir, leave my house and learn manners and 
how to treat a gentleman of the color. 

Footman. But Captain, I meant no harm. 

Capt. (springing up.) I say, you are not wanted here! 
Get out ! Dry up ! Evaporate ! Or, by the immortal 
Charles 

Footman. Now look here, Captain George Washington 
and gentleman of the color, I brought, besides the shoes of 
my lady, a pair of fists of mine. Therefore subdue your 



passion, Captain, and be a good boy. The shoes, I will 
have repaired elsewhere. Good morning to you ! 

[Exit Footman. 
Capt. (listening a while. Picks up a last and throws it 
toward the door.) You miserable scamp ! You lime colored 
monkey ! You embryo (embryo is a good word) of a man, 
you will challenge me ? Me? Captain George Washing- 
ton ! I'll meet you again, but "Hail Columbia" then ! 

Footman looking in. 

Footman. Did you call me back, master? 

Capt. {sitting down subdued.) Not at all, sir ! 

Footman, (from the door.) Then good-bye, master ! 

[Exit.] 

Capt. Good-bye, sir! (aside.) You cowardly snake, 
you shan't get oil' so easy, I'll meet you again ! The ras- 
cal is listening, I am sure. 

Eider William, slowly advancing , looking about the room. 

Capt. (aside.) Some body entered, it's him again ! I'll 
show that I am not afraid of him and talk as unconcernedly 
as ever. ( aloud.) I hope my silly talk has not offended you. 
Sit down, sir, and make yourself at home. I am sorry in- 
deed that I am not able to accommodate you, but as my 
journeyman is not in, I am obliged to do his jobs, and there 
are several to be finished yet. For instance this worthy 
grandmother of a lady's dancing shoe (holding up a No. 
12 lady s shoe) has to be brought in shape again. It is the 
pump of a highly distinguished lady, Mrs. Colonel Fancy, 
an old pug-nosed, venomous serpent, that used to sneak 
day and night around this house, seeking to bestow on me 
that connubial happiness which secured the late Colonel 
the reputation of leading a holy life of martyrdom and an 
indisputable claim upon eternal happiness ! 

William, (having approached. Crying.) It's my mother 
he speaks of, I will — 

Capt. (throwing the shoe down and starling up .) Thunder 
and lightning, what's that! You sneaking little thief! 
How did you get in ? Why did you not knock ? Where's 
the man ? 

William, (crying.) I'll tell my mother ! (will go.) 

Capt. (grasping him.) Not unless you tell me how long 
you have been here ! 

William, (crying.) Let me go, I'll tell my mother what 
you said of her ! 

Capt. I'll break your neck, you rascal, should you do it ! 

William, (crying.) There she comes; she will be here 
immediately. 



Oapt. {excited. Aside.) Confound that little snake ! 
What shall I do? The old vampire would suck my blood 
should she learn — {aloud.) Look here, Willy, you know I 
am your friend. 

William, {crying.) No you are not,- you called me and 
my mother the worst of names ! 

Capt. Never mind, Will, what I called you; I shall ex- 
plain it presently, {aside.) The confounded little rascal, 
what shall I say? (aloud.) I shall explain it presently, 
face to face, for you are a man, and will show yourself a 
man, and you are the son of a man, of a warrior too, a for- 
midable warrior who was wont to rush into battle without 
any armor, with the most furious eagerness to fight, a second 
Samson, and not second to him, until he fell! 

William. Butyou said his "confubiaF'happinesssecured 
him a holy life of martyrdom — 

Capt. Until he fell under the weight of the ten thou- 
sand Philistines his flaming sword had slain ; and as his 
life was, "confubially" spoken, a life of happiness in fighting 
and being fought, it was a life of martyrdom securing him 
the claim upon eternal happiness, 

William. Yes, Captain, that's what you said, but now 
you said it more beautiful, {reflecting. ) But you said also — 

Capt. {with grotesque pathos.) The claim upon eternal 
happiness! The justest claim, .sir! The most justiest 
claim, sir ! For it is the claim of a great warrior, the 
claim of a hero! And you, my dear William, come here, 
stand face to face, man to man ! And you, my dear Wil- 
liam, my very dear William, you are the son of that great 
warrior. 

William, {beginning to cry.) Yes, my mother told me so! 

Capt. {aside.) What an abominable lie! {aloud.) I say, 
you are the son of that great warrior, of that great hero! 
His noble blood runs through your veins, filling your heart 
and mind, "confubially" spoken, with that eager longing for 
greatness and distinction, that noble spirit of warriorism 
and fightosity, which will change to sincere respect any 
upstart of inimical feeling against you, and, therefore I, 
having indulged in such feelings, {grasping his hand and 
shaking it,) do solemnly shake hands with you, with the 
son, with the blood of that great hero ! (impressively.) Be 
my friend, William, as your honored father was, and I 
will try to point out the traces you have to step, in follow- 
ing his great example ! 

William, (louder crying.) Yes, Captain, do it! Do it! 
But — (reflecting. Looking at the shoe on the floor) but you 
said also, that— 



9 

Copt, (aside) The little snake is not yet dumbstricken 
enough! How the devil shall I dispatch that cursed shoe? 
(aloud) And when I do so I do homage not only to the 
memory of the great dead, your sainted father, William, 
but to the estimable qualities of his widowed lady, your 
distinguished mother also, who so highly deserves an3 r 
valiant services a true gentleman of the color could render 
her ; and when I rehearsed the great speech I intend to 
make in the great forthcoming Ward meeting, on the ne- 
cessity of increasing the number of street pumps, and had 
finished my argument for establishing a first-rate pump, 
hewn in Seneca-stone, before your house, and was just go- 
ing to demonstrate the utter fitness of having a life-sized 
figure of the late Colonel placed upon it and dating up a 
shoe from his work-bench and holding it up) said : "This is 
the pump" — 

William. No — no! Captain, (picking up his mother's 
shoe and holding it up) you said : "This is the pump" of my 
mother, and that's what it is ! 

Capt. Any shoe will do, my dear William, to represent 
the intended street pump before your mother's house ! 
And when I said to the chairman of the meeting : "And, 
sir, this being the pump of that distinguished lady," and 
my enthusiasm carried me away toward the spheres of that 
sublime eloquence, the power of which no human intellect 
can resist, and the spirit of the blessed Charles, in all the 
glory of ridiculosity, smiling at me from this very shoe ; 
you, William, so suddenly, so cruelly interrupted me, stop- 
ping the flight of my exalted mind, breaking the spiritu- 
listic spell I was — 

William, (astonished) Then you were rehearsing your 
speech when I entered ? 

Capt. (solemn) My honorable friend asks if I was re- 
hearsing my speech when he entered ? What on earth else 
was I doing then when not rehearsing my speech ? You 
ask so strangely, William; by your intellect I supposed 
you — 

Enter Bank Clerk, astonished, looking on. 

Capt. (without turning to the door . Aside.) There she is, 
the old Vampire ! Now for a fitting conclusion for her 
benefit ! (aloud) As I said, William, you have only to fol- 
low the example of your lamented father to become a true 
gentleman of the color. The wise teachings of your dis- 
tinguished mother will guide you, and if my services can 
be of any benefit to you, you may freely command them. 
The knightly spirit of former ages has not died out, it 

9 



10 

smoulders beneath the ashes of the conflagrated prejudices 
of caste and station, to ascend like the Phoenix to the 
sublime heights of everlasting glory ! — The shoe of your 
estimable mother reminds me of a trait of the knightly- 
spirit of past times. Pass me the shoe of your estimable 
mother, William, {receiving it and handling it appropri- 
ately) To do homage to his lady-love the knight filled her 
shoe with wine or lager, (soda water not yet being invented 
or temperance societies either,) lowered one knee before her 
{imitating the description) and with the words, "My respects 
to you, my Lady-love," his left hand upon his breast, he 
drank the foaming contents of the shoe in long and grace- 
ful draughts. 

Banlc Cleric, {laughing) Hah! hah! Captain, you are 
grand ! Hah ! hah ! 

Capt. {starting up. Throwing down the shoe) Thunder 
and lightning ! Who's that ! It's the Bank Clerk ! 
{aside) Captain George Washington, you are an ass ! 
{aloud) Sit down, sir. I'll be at your service presently 
after having parted with this boy, to whom I just gave 
some theatrical lessons, (to William, coldly) Good-bye, 
William ! My respects to your mother. I'll call soon and 
bring the shoe with me. 

William, {aside) He calls me hoy now, speaks of theat- 
rical lessons, and is anxious to get rid of me ! There is 
some secret between them both. I'll watch them, (aloud ) 
Good-bye, Captain, and my thanks! {goi?ig, but remain- 
ing within, the door. Listening.) 

Bank Clerk. I just dropped in to tell you that our Bank 
has resolved not to keep the deposit of yours of $2000, 
bearing on its face the name of another person, and, as we 
have learned, the name of your — 

Capt. All right, sir ; I'll withdraw it. But — I would 
rather like — 

William, (aside) A deposit of $2000 in the Bank ? 
What a rich man the Captain is ! I must tell this to my 
mother, (listening.) 

Bank Clerk. I will bring it myself to-morrow and you 
may give me the receipt then. 

Capt. All right, sir, you will find me at home to-mor- 
row. 

Bank Clerk. Good-bye, then. [arirf.] " 

Capt. (showing him to the door, perceives William) You 
sneaky little eaves-dropper, you are still here ? (William 
exit) Won't that give a rumpus! Now Captain George 
Washington, steel your nerves or you are lost! (sifting 
down) As to Henry, I hate that fellow ! How so sensible 



ii 

a girl as Josephine could give the preference to such a fel-. 
low, is completely incomprehensible ! And I should give 
him the $2000 which have been sent to him from his father- 
land, and place him in a position to marry Josephine? 
No ! Never ! But the money shall assist me to gain favor 
with her, she is after all only a girl! It is true she is a 
white girl, and I am — black! Black! Black indeed! 
How I hate the usual meaning of this word ! {rising from his 
bench ) Colored ! There was a time when they dared to 
call us "the colored people," while the "noble Indian" was, 
and still is, "the red man." Is he not colored? Is 
red no color? And is white no color either? — They say 
when you mix together all colors of the rainbow the com- 
pound will be white. Well, I will recognize the fact and 
allow that white is a color, but then I ask why were 
the white people not called the colored people ? {with 
force) Tell me the reason why, sir! I will tell you why! 
What is white, what is red, what are all the colors of the 
rain-bow, what are all the coloi's of the Universe ! when 
you look at them in total darkness? They are black, sir ! 
They are black, sirs! All become black — except black it- 
self! Black never changes if you look at it either by day 
or night time, in light or darkness, it is black and remains 
black! By it all other colors are blotted out — all other 
colorsnaught! Itisnot a color then — no ! Itis"the color !" 
Look at the white man in total darkness, is he white still? 
No! he is black. Look at the black man under any cir- 
cumstances whatever, hem! I will accept one for argument 
sake, he remains black ! He therefore is not a colored man 
or gentleman, but a man or gentleman of "the color!" 
Such were the arguments of the great Charles, such was 
his logic! (pulling a little black figure from his pocket and 
looking at it devoutly) Great Charles! Thou wast only a 
white man, but thy heart was of the blackest hue, and 
what Nature has neglected, thy gratefulposterity has re- 
stored ! Thy imposing figure, armed with those command- 
ing spectacles under the shade of those brushy eye-brows 
and grayish spit-curls, now stands, hewn in the blackest 
marble, in the Capitol of the Nation, on a pedestal, on the 
four fronts of which are engraved the four elements of thy 
character: toward the North, "Greatness," toward the 
South, "Littleness," toward the East, "Pomposity," toward 
the West, "Ridiculosity," and ample appropriation has 
been made for the services of a first rate boot- black to keep 
thee always under shining! Departed spirit of the Great 
Charles, although a white man, in thee we recognize and 
revere the First Gentleman of the Color. {Rubbing 



VI 

the black figure with his sleeve, once more reverently looking 
at it, puts it in his pocket. Sitting down.) (knocks/) Come 
in! 

Enter Josephine. 

Josephine. Good evening, Captain! Where is Henry? 

Capt. -(rising) Good evening, Josephine ! How happy I 
am to see you. Please be seated. 

Jos. Thank you, Captain ; but where is Henry? 

Capt. Please sit down, I will tell you presently. A 
nice and lovely girl like you, who could command the af- 
fections of any gentleman she choose — ■ 

Jos. Captain, I have repeatedly requested you to spare 
me your flattery. You know my relations to Henry ; it 
is not seemly for you to speak to me in this way, and just 
as improper for me to listen to you. But I will ascribe 
your words to your natural gallantry, and attach no im- 
portance to them. Now please tell me where Henry is. 

Capt. Henry is absent as usual at this time, and I sup- 
posed he had gone to you. 

Jos. What do you mean by saying "as usual at this 
time?" 

Capt. I mean by it that you think too much of him en- 
tirely. Listen ! You are a sensible girl, and able to ap- 
preciate what I am going tell you. I am a gentleman, 
have influence, education, intelligence and money — more 
money than you think, and more than you would judge by 
my surroundings — and the desire to make you happy ! 
You thrust my suit aside, and throw yourself away, by 
your attachment to a poor starving wretch who will never 
be able to give you the position you deserve. Become 
mine, Josephine! (Grasps Josephines hand, tvhich she en- 
deavors to withhold.) 

[Enter Mrs. Col. Fancy, remains at the door observing.'] 
For Henry — {he perceives Mrs. Fancy — pretending not hav- 
ing done so. Aside) Has hell leagued against me? The 
third surprise and the worst of all ! (aloud) For Henry I 
will care, he deserves my consideration. Compose your- 
self, Josephine, I do not doubt that your estimable mistress 
would have any objections. 

Jos. (astonished) I do not understand you. 

Capt. (signaling the presence of Mrs. Fancy. In low 
voice) Be still ! (aloud) Henry surely will return shortly. 
(whispering) He is arrested ! 

Jos. (crying) He is arrested and I shall be still? (ex- 
cited) Why should he be arrested, who has never injured 
any one, who is the soul of honor. 



Is 

Capt. (pretending to see Mrs. Fancy just now) Mrs. Col. 
Fancy, my estimable friend, how nappy I am that you 
come ! This girl is out of her wits because my journeyman 
is arrested ; I am at a loss what to do ! 

Mrs. Fancy, (approaching) So it seems, Captain, although 
the situation is rather suspicious, (to Josephine) Joseph- 
ine, what brings you here, and who gave you permission 
to neglect your work in order to steal into the house of a 
lonely bachelor? 

Capt. My most estimable friend — 

Mrs. Fancy, (sharply) Captain, you will allow her to 
answer for herself! 

Capt. (offering a chair) Will you please be seated, my 
most estimable friend, and I will in two words — 

Mrs. Fancy. Captain, for a young and unprotected 
widow as I am, who must guard with the utmost care her 
reputation and character, it appears too dangerous to ac- 
cept such familiarities in the abode of a gentleman who 
allows himself to be discovered in so strange a situation 
with a servant girl who seems to know nothing of propri- 
ety. 

Jos. Madam, I will freely answer your question. I 
came here to inquire for Henry — 

Capt. Having heard that he was arrested, (signaling 
Josephine) and I was — 

Mrs. Fancy. Allow her to answer for herself, Captain. 
Your anxiety to satisfy me appears somewhat strange, and 
I will not hope — 

Jos. (excitedly) I will not have it that my character 
should suffer and that my mistress should think — 

Capt. {interrupivg) That I could be capable of anv un- 
seemly or improper actions. 

Jos. The Captain is nothing to me; but he took the 
the liberty as he has often done before — 

Capt. {interrupting) That's right, Josephine ! Tell the 
truth and let her think of me what she may, even though 
her natural tenderness of feeling and delicacy should be 
wounded ! Tell her all, Josephine, but never confide it to 
anyone in the world, no matter who, or I will know how to 
be revenged ; if not through you, Henry shall suffer ! 
Understand me well, your mouth must be sealed when 
you leave this house ! Tell your mistress then, how anx- 
ious I always was to hear of her welfare from you, how 
often I have taken the liberty to inquire of you about her 
doings, how I have shown so lively an interest in her that 
even you suspected me of false motives ! Tell her all ! — 
if her delicacy will allow her to hear it from the mouth of 
an attendant ! But beware ! 



14 

Mrs. Fancy, {during the Captains speech sinks upon a 
chair and covers her eyes with her handkerchief. Tremulous) 
Go, Josephine dear, and never betray what the Captain 
has confided to you, it would kill me ! (low) Go ! Go! 

Capt. (threatening) Woe to you and Henry should you 
betray me ! 

Jos. {bewildered by the Captain 's speech.) [Frit.] 

Capt. {sinking upon his stool, his head bending over the 
bench. Aside) Now I am exhausted and the trial is yet 
to come! Pluck! Pluck! Only this time be my ally, 
and I never will trouble thee again ! Let her commence 
the battle, {remaining in his position.) 

Mrs. Fancy, {remaining in her position. Aside) He is 
ashamed of being discovered, the poor man. His delicacy 
has been roughly handled, so he will make me believe. 
But I know him better. The whole thing was a sham, but 
he will find a match in me ! Let him commence the bat- 
tle, and if he does not pop the question presently, I will 
be a goose for life ! 

Capt. {aside) I wonder how long she will be silent, hap- 
ily she is only a woman. I can bide my time, my lady. 

Mrs. Fancy, {impatiently moving on her chair.) 

Capt. {aside) She gets impatient, I knew it. 

Mrs. Fancy, {sighing.) 

Capt. {aside) She fetches a sigh as big as her confounded 
shoe. 

Mrs. Fancy, {aside) He speaks to himself he is going 
to fire off. 

Capt. {aside) Had I only a means to shorten this con- 
founded situation — if somebody would only come, even 
that cracked footman or dear William, that sneaking lit- 
tle thief. He is surely around the house, and instructed 
to keep people off. There is my bottle under the bench — 
if it was only filled ! Hah ! I have an idea! I see my 
way now — splendid by Jingo ! {cautiously reaching under 
the bench, fetching the bottle and hiding it in his lap. Aside) 
I am armed now, come on, my 'lady. 

Mrs. Fancy, {aside) My position becomes ridiculous, 
that awful wretch won't speak. — I know he plays the fool 
with me, but he will find how mistaken he is ! — I am suf- 
focating from repressed anger and indignation ! William 

will get impatient outside in waiting for the cue to rush 

in and greet his future father. 1 can stand it no longer ! 

That wretch won't move! — (crying) I am bursting! 
{springing up and approaching the Capt. Excited. Aloud) 
Captain, we have jeered long enough now, I think, let us 
come to business ! We are no longer children, and no fools 



15 

either, and understand each other completely ! — Get up, 
Captain ! — Don't make a fool of yourself! — I say, look up, 
Captain! Face the music! Here I stand prepared for 
the consequences ! — You won't move, indeed ? — Think you, 
I am cheated so easily ! — Get up, I say, you can't bamboo- 
zle me by such fooleries! — (somewhat subsided) You are 
not such a fool as not to know that I may bring action 
against you for damages, upon the evidence of Josephine, 
and my own testimony on the damnable means you resorted 
to in order to gain and deceive — the pure — and tender — 
affections of— a virtuous — and unprotected — daughter — of 
the land? — (in rage) I say, get up you wretch! (in great 
rage) Get up! (striking him a blow with the fist. The bottle 
falls on the floor) What's that ! (picking up the bottle) It's 
empty ! (smells at the mouth of the bottle) Whiskey, as I 
live ! and (smells again) some other substance, (s7nells again. 
/Shrieking) laudanum ! — Whiskeyand laudanum ! — I am not 
mistaken ! It's the favorite beverage of the blessed Colo- 
nel, my much beloved husbandl 

Enter William. 

William, (rushing upon Captain) My dear father ! (em- 
bracing him, tumbles with him upon the floor.) 

Mrs. Fancy, {pulling Jam from the floor) You fool, what 
are you .doing, don't you see the beast is drunk ? 

William. I rushed in, ma, when I heard the word 
"husband" the cue you gave me to do so. 

Mrs. Fancy. Never mind, William ! come away from 
this detestable place ! ( toward the Captain) And as to you, 
wretch, you shan't escape me, I will have my revenge ! ■ — 
[Exeunt Mrs. Fancy and, William. 

Capt. (listening. Springing up and stealing toward the 
door, which he locks. Coming forward, laughing) Hah ! 
Hah! Hah! My smart and circumspect lady, have I 
bomboozled you? Yes or no? Are you a match for me? 
Me, Captain George Washington ? Hah ! Hah ! Hah ! 
I never was in such great danger in my whole life, never 
so near mv utter destruction! (shuddering) To imagine 
oneself the husband of this viper, this termagant, this 
vampire! (shuddering. Laughing) And an empty bottle 
has saved me ! Hah ! Hah ! Hah ! They say old Rome 
once was saved from destruction by geese, but who ever 
heard of an empty bottle having done such a deed? The 
Romans acknowledged their gratitude by treating their 
saviours with the greatest consideration, and so I will do, 
and never shall it suffer from want of food, (knocks) So 
you are there again, my circumspect lady ! — It was all 



16 

perhaps only a sham of that wretch of a Captain — he was 
only playing the stone-drunk, — heh ? ( knocks louder^ You 
may knock till doomsday, my love, the Captain is stone- 
drunk, and if it needs be stone-dead, my lady of the pump ! 
(knocks loader.) 

Henri/, {from outside) Captain, are you in? It is me, 
Henry ! 

Capt. It is Henry ! (going to the door and opening it 
with caution) Are you alone, Henry? — 

Henry, (from outside) Yes I am, why should I not be ? 

Capt. Look about, Henry, nobody in sight? 

Henry, {from outside) No living soul whatever! 

Capt. (opening the door) Come in, Henry ! 

Enter Henry, significantly looking at Captain. 

Capt. Never was gladder to see you than just now. 
Your presence inspires me with a consciousness of safety — 

Henry, (interrupting) You were afraid to be alone ! 

CapA. Safety for your person, Henry. You are in my 
house now and no power on earth can harm you. My 
house is my castle, my stronghold — (knocks. Excited ) 
Henry, quick ! Lock the door ! Hurry up ! Should she 
force the door tell her you had found me dead, — stone-dead ! 
{throwing himself on the floor in his former positio7i.) 

Henry, (surprised) What's the matter with you, Cap- 
tain, — are you sick? 

Capt. (low) Lock the door, you rascal ! — I am stone- 
dead ! 

Henry. (shouti7ig) He is crazy ! Help ! Help ! 

Capt. (exasperated) I'll kill you, you — 

Henry, (shouting, dimming to the door) Help ! — Help ! — 
He will murder me ! — 

Capt. (jumping up, runs after him) You confounded 
rascal ! {retaining Henry with one hand, with other grasp- 
ing the door. Door opens.) 

Enter Potomac and Tiber. 

Capt. and Henry, (surprised, part and move toward their 
benches) Who's that? — 

Capt. (aside) People of the highest distinction ! Capt. 
George Washington now is your time ! 

Potomac. We enter your abode in behalf of this young 
lady who needs a drink of water. 

Capt. {with grotesque dignity) No young lady has ever 
appealed to the chivalric spirit of Captain George Wash- 
ington in vain ! — (to Henry) Fetch me a glass of water 
from the table ! 



17 

Potomac, (observing all the doings of Copt, and Henry 
with great curiosity. Aside) Peculiar beings ! — 

Henry, (filling a tumbler, going to present it to Tiber) 
Here, my young lady ! 

Capt. (with grotesque dignity) Pass it to me, Henry ! 

Henry, (surprised) The young lady wants it, I think. 

Capt. (as before) Pass it to me, Henry ! 

Henry, (aside) There it comes, he is crazy, (approach- 
ing Captain with great caution, passes the tumbler, retires. — 
Aside) What will come now, I wonder. 

Capt. (approaching Tiber with grotesque dignity — pre- 
senting the tumbler) My estimable young lady, Captain 
George Washington, the valiant occupant of this castle, is 
happy to be at your service, regretting only that he is not 
allowed the sublime privilege of doing humble homage to 
your excellent qualities, by drinking your health from the 
delicate capsules of your tiny bases. — 

Henry, (aside) He is mad as a march hare ! — ■ 

Capt. (to Henry) Fetch me the finest shoe from my at- 
telier, fill it with water and present it to me! — (to Tiber — 
with grotesque politeness) But he will avail himself of the 
present opportunity by indulging in it according to cir- 
cumstances.^ — 

Henry, (having taken Mrs. Fancy's shoe, filled it with 
water, presents it to Captain. Aside) He is mad, it would 
be dangerous to resist him. 

Capt. (receives the shoe without closely looking at it— bend- 
ing one knee before Tiber) I drink to your health and ever- 
lasting happiness, imagining it to be a more appropriate 
beverage, and the delicate capsule I was so free as to indi- 
cate. — (puts the shoe to his mouth and begins to drink.— 
Recognizing Mrs. Fancy's shoe, throws it down, bounds up. — 
Excited) Thunder and lightning ! — That cursed shoe again ! 
(to Henry) You confounded fellow, what did you do that 
for?— 

Henry, (aside) I knew it would come ! — 

Potomac, (returning the tumbler) I thank thee and be- 
seech thee not to scold thy attendant. Ye, no doubt, meant 
to honor us according to your custom. Receive my thanks 
for it, thee and thy servant, and, as a token of our grati- 
tude, the assurance that, whatsoever ye may wish last, 
before midnight, shall be granted. — Fare ye well ! — 

[Exeunt Potomac and Tiber.] 

Capt. {confused) How! — What! — Who the devil are 

they? — What did he say? — (to Henry) Look out and see 

which way they go !■ — (Henry exit) What strange people, 

and a sort of language I never heard before. "Whatsoever 

3 



]« 

ye may wish last before midnight, shall be granted." — He 
said "ye" and meant both of us, Henry and me. — Henry 
will surely forget it, but not I. (Henry entering) Which 
way did they go? — (aside) I would like to follow them if 
it was not for that confounded serpent of a widow. — 

Henry. They have disappeared without any traces. I 
went as far as the corner, but could catch no glimpses of 
them, (aside) I wonder if I was included in the offer of 
fulfilment of the last wish to-night. I must find it out from 
the Captain, but how ? 

Capt. (after some refiectiori) Henry, I wish to look myself 
after these strange people, come with me ! — 

[Exeunt Captain and Henry.] 



Scene III. — Evening. Moonlight. Some sparsely settled 
place north of Capitol Hill. Capitol in sight. — Enter- 
ing Potomac a?id Tiber — looking about. 

Potomac. No traces left of thy material existence, my 
daughter ! — And these long lines of structures — 

Tiber. Are the monuments of my downfall, built up on 
the heaps of earth and stones by which they have vaulted 
in my dominion. 

Potomac, (pointing out the direction) And there was 
Swampoodle ? 

Tiber. Yes, Father Potomac, it has disappeared en- 
tirely. 

Potomac, (pointing to the Capitol) And that monstrous 
edifice and all those numerous structures (pointing about) 
have been built up by the same mortal creatures such as 
those two in yonder little house ? 

Tiber. Yes, Father Potomac. 

Potomac. When I think of their peculiar manners and 
their feeble appearance, I am at a loss how to account for 
their ability to accomplish such mighty and skillful works, 
which it seems only giants could create. Take for instance 
that slender structure near my banks yonder, the top of 
which disappears in the clouds, indicating an immeasurable 
height, — how could such puny creatures without being en- 
dowed with immortal powers execute it? 

Tiber. That structure, Father Potomac, is erected in 
memory of the greatest, best, and most beloved among these 
mortals : "The first in war — the first in peace — the first in 
the heart of his countrymen," — the Father of the Country ! 

Potomac. Tiber, what thou tellest me impresses me 
with respect for these mortals. Undoubtedly they haye 
erected this structure, the end of which reaches above the 



19 

clouds and is hidden from view, to indicate that their rev- 
erence for this great mortal is immeasurable. 

Tiber. I am sorry, Father Potomac, to rob thee of this 
illusion. That structure does not reach by any means as 
high as thou thinkest, it ends where thou imaginest it is en- 
veloped by the clouds. The completion of the work was 
abandoned from want of s}'mpathy. 

Potomac, {angrily) These miserable, ungrateful wretches ! 
Is it thus they reverence the memory of that great man ? 
How little and contemptible they appear to me now ! 
{listening. The roar of an approaching railroad train is to 
be heard) What noise is that ? {looks in the corresponding 
direction) A long dark monster with fiery mouth and nos- 
trils, and glowing eyes, is approaching with lightning speed! 
Tiber, I fear it will cause disaster among the poor mortals. 
{whistle of engine) Hear his wrathful roaring ! — It is ap- 
proaching us, let us get out of the way, — although immor- 
tal I am still uncertain whether that monster be not pos- 
sessed of greater might than we ! {Potomac and Tiber 
stepping aside. — The railroad train passes) Tiber, I have 
often heard this roaring, and monsters like this are con- 
stantly passing over that structure which the mortals have 
stretched across my waters yonder. 

Tiber. These monsters as thou callest them, are mere 
works of the mortals, constructed for services, the perform- 
ance of which exceeds the bodily strength of man, 

Potomac. Wonderful creatures these mortals. — How 
great and how little they appear! The more I learn of 
them, the more anxious I am to become better acquainted 
with them, in order to find out their real nature. Let us 
retire, and to-morrow by daylight continue our observa- 
tions. [Exeunt Potomac and Tiber.] 



Scene IV. — Night. Workshop as before. Captain and 
Henry working. Lamps on their benches. 

Capt. What you have told me of the spirits in the 
mountains of your home is sheer nonsense ! — Did you ever 
hear that those Gnomes have appeared in the present time, 
or that any traces of them were found ? Why did they 
appear hundreds of years ago and not since then ? Having 
died out, that cannot be, for you say they never die. 
Therefore— 

Henry. Could they not have emigrated to America as 
the witches did to Massachusetts ?■ — -That the old gent was 
a Gnome, I am certain, and the young lady appeared 
equally suspicious. — 



20 

Capt. Do you think Henry, that I did every thing to 
please them? Was I not polite and attentive toward them ? 

Henry, (significantly) Yes, — and that makes me rather 
anxious about you, Captain. 

Capt. (embarrassed) Anxious — about — me, — you say? — 
Why, Henry ? — 

Henry. You made love to the young lady very plainly, — 
suppose now she was a fairy. Do you not know, Captain, 
that any one who makes love to a fairy must devote him- 
self to her and belong to her for his whole life ? 

Capt. (uneasy) I should not be much vexed at that, 
Henry. 

Henry. But suppose she was a witch and you had to 
follow her to the place where pitch, brimstone and fire,^- 
you know, Captain. 

Capt. (springing up) The devil I would ! — 

Henry. But you must, for you made love to her ! — Did 
I not see it ? — 

Capt. Henry, I did not!— Say, I did not! — Thunder and 
lightning! To escape the crawls of the devil of a widow 
and to fall instead into the fangs of the devil's dam! — 
Henry, say I did not ! — That's a good boy ! — 

Henry. Well, Captain, I am not so certain that you did, 
but why did the old gentleman offer you the realization of 
your last wish before midnight, if not in acknoAvledgment 
of your future relationship? 

Capt. (eagerly) Now I see, Henry, you are wrong, — for 
he included you in his offer, and you did not make love to 
the fairy either ! — How is that? 

Henry. Are yon certain he did ? 

Capt. Upon my honor as a gentleman ! 

Henry. Then you made no love, Captain, I am sure ! 
There is no danger for you ! 

Capt. (after a short pause. Aside) Has the rascal mysti- 
fied me? — (aloud) Have you ever heard of black fairies? 

Henry. No ! — Never in my whole life ! — 

Capt. Have you ever heard of a white fairy falling in 
love with a black man — Hem! — I will say with a gentle- 
man of the color ? 

Henry. No ! — Never in my whole life ! — With a black 
man ! — Anything but that !—" 

Capt. (aside) The rascal ! — How he says that ! — 

Henry. But why do you question me thus? — 

Capt. To make you aware that my making love to her 
could not harm me. — But, Henry, it is time to retire, pre- 
pare your bed. It is 11 o'clock!— (the clock points to Ilk) 
I am tired after all the trouble of the day, and as I in- 
tend to rise very early in the morning I will lie down on 



21 

the sofa. Don't trouble yourself with preparing the bed 
for me, give me only a blanket. I will wind up the clock. 
(winds up the clock and puts the hand bach upon 11. Aside) 
Now, my friend Henry, let not the right moment slip ! 
(lies down on the sofa, is hidden by the high arms of the sofa.) 
Henry, [having fetched from outside of the room an old 
mattress, bolster and blanket for himself and a blanket for 
the Captain which he throws over the latter, prepares his bed 
on the floor behind the table hidden by the table-cover. Aside) 
He says it's 11 o'clock, — that's a lie! I looked at the 
clock a good while ago, and it was a quarter after 11 then. 
The envious rascal has meddled with the clock to mislead 
me about the time, (aloud) Captain, it is really after 11 
already. Have you wound up the clock? — He does not 
answer, he is asleep already, (aside) He will make me 
believe it, the hypocrite, (aloud) I wonder whether he 
has forgotten it? (going to the clock advances the hand one 
quarter) Indeed he has done it. That's a wonder ! Now 
I'll lay down — I am tired enough, (lies down after ex- 
tinguishing the lamp. 

Note. — The following soliloquies require that head and 
face of the speaking person appear before the imaginary 
sight of the reader, (before the sight of the audience?) 

Capt. praising his head. Aside.) He has laid down at 
last, and in two minutes will be fast asleep. — Now, Captain 
George Washington, what are you going to wish ! — Rank 
and station ? — Poh ! — I am fast becoming by myself a great 
man ! — But riches! — That's the thing!— A great fortune — 
and then? — Being a rich man, living in a four-story 
brown-stone-front, high-stoop house, — with shares in 
Seneca and Mariposa, — a six horse Buchu, — and servants 
to boot, — I wonder what Josephine would say then ? — 
Wealth! — Wealth!— That's the thing! — (listening) Henry 
is not asleep yet ! (listening) Perhaps the whole thing is 
a sham and the old gentleman was but jesting? — Never 
mind ! It is an easy and pleasant entertainment to indulge 
in the sweetest wishes of the heart, (lies down.) 

Henry, (raising his head. Aside) I wonder whether he 
sleeps? — He wished me to miss the time, but it won't do! — 
It is now — let me see — exactly 11 minutes to 12. — Upon a 
wish I have settled! — I only wish my money had arrived 
from the fatherland, nothing else.— Then I could emigrate 
with Josephine from this cursed District to the far West 
and be happy for life ! — I wonder what that fellow is going 
to wish ! — With his abilities and his influence I would 
make my fortune in one day. (lies down'.) 



22 

Copt, (raising his head. Aside) Wealth ! — Wealth ! — 
Great Wealth ! — With it I can buy anything my heart 
wishes — and Josephine too ! — To buy the affections of 
a girl is done often enough now a days; — it's not the right 
thing, I know, but how could I get Josephine otherwise, 
attached as she is to that stupid fellow. — He is completely 
incapable to appreciate his luck! — "Only one day in his 
place what happiness that would be." (lies down.) 

(Note. The performer of Captain repairs behind the 
scene to the couch of Henry, and takes his place upon 
the couch after Henry has done spjeaking.) 

Henry, (raising his head. Aside) Why not? — No! — No 
unjust money but my own! — That black fellow could be a 
contractor to-day if he was not so lazy. "But one day in 
his skin and I could make Josephine happy." {lies down.) 

The clock noiv points to 12. 

(Note. The j->e? former of Henry repairs behind the scene 
to the sofa, taking the place o/"Captain. Thus a mutual 
trasformation is instituted.) 

Henry, (in the shape of the Oapt., raising his head. — 
Aside) I wonder what he has wished ? — As for me I don't 
want anything but my own money! — That's the last I will 
think of now that midnight is near, (lies dovm.) 

Capt. (in the shape of Henry, raising his head. — Aside.) 
Yes J—Wealth !— Great Wealth !— That's the only thing I 
long for, and a life of splendor and ease — and pretty Jos- 
ephine! — And now as midnight is near I'll go to sleep. 
(lies down. After a small pause, raising his head. Aside.) 
Why not President of the United States?— No!— That T 
can become by myself! Am I not a native born citizen — 
Captain George Washington and a gentleman of the color? 
No! — Wealth can make me anything, even a nobleman 
and Prince ! — Therefore — wealth — (his head sinks down.) 

Transformaion of the scene. — Fantastic scenery. — Water 
bank. — Music. — Nymphs and inhabitants of Potomac 
River and Tiber, entering. — Dance. — The Nymphs 
cunningly dancing around Captain and Henry. — 
Grotesque ivater animals rallying them, etc. The 
whole representing a chaotic dream.. — Tableau. 



23 



ACT II. 

Note. — It is to be kept in mind that in consequence of the 
mutual transformation, Henry now appears un consciously 
in the shape of the Captain, as a gentleman of the color, 
and the Captain in the shape of Henry, as a white man. 

Scene I. — Morning. Workshop as in Act I. Captain 
and Henry asleep on their couches. 

Henry, .{awaking. — Rubbing his eyes. — Stretching him- 
self) What a restless night, full of tormenting dreams. 
(looking around) How different everything seems ! — How 

heavy I feel ! 1 must go to the pump to fetch fresh 

water and take a good washing to get my head clear. 
(rises. — Takes the pitcher from the table. Exit.) 

CapA. (raising his head) I do not know how I feel ! — 
My head is heavy and my muscles stiff, as if I had been on 
a spree yesterday. — I have been dreaming all sorts of 
things. — That I was a very rich man surrounded with all 
the luxuries of wealth, — then again a knight doing homage 
to his lady love, — No ! — That was a reality, by Jingo ! — A 
young lady and an old gentleman were in this very room, — 
and — yes! — I presented a glass of water, and all that sort 
of thing. — But what did I dream? — The funniest things. 
Once for a short time 1 was President of the United States, 
and — then- — that — old gentleman with his promises. — 
(rising from the sofa) My head is so heavy I must sit down. 
{sitting down at his working bench) Henry has gone for 
water. — 

Enter Henry. 

Henry. Good morning, Captain ! Up already? (puts the 
pitcher on the table, removes mattress; blayikets and bolsters 
outside the door.) 

Capt. Yes, Henry, it was high time to get up, consider- 
ing the number of jobs we have to finish before night. 
(picking up Mrs. Fancy's shoe and throwing it over to the 
other bench) That confounded dancing shoe of her ladyship 
you may repair, I have seen so much of it — it disgusts 
me ! — 

Henry, (sitting down at his bench, opens a paper parcel 
containing some sandwiches. Eating) Yes sir, you should 
feel disgusted, considering — 

Capt. Considering the trick you played me, you rascal! 

Henry. Never mind, Captain, the lady was pleased by 
your courtesy. 



24 

Capt. {smiling) Was she? I guess she ought to be. 
But do you remember, Henry, how the old gentleman who 
was with her behaved? . 

Henry. I don't remember well, but — I think — no, I 
cannot remember, indeed. How did he behave, Captain? 

Capt. You won't tell, you rascal, but never mind ! — 
You know it as well as I, he offered me the fulfillment of 
a wish — 

Henry. And me too! 

Capt. That I cannot remember ; — and did you make a 
wish ? 

Henry. I am not certain whether I did; — 1 fell asleep 
so suddenly that I cannot recollect what I did. 

Capt. The same with me. — The whole thing was a sham, 
I reckon. 

Henry, {aside) That's a big lie ! — {aloud) You don't 
think of your breakfast, Captain. 

Capt. That's so, Henry. (7'ises, goes to table, unlocks a 
drawer — taking a bottle and some eatables on a piece of paper. 
Puts them on his bench. Taking the pitcher from the table) 
I'll take a good wash before. [JUxit.] 

Henry, (having finished his breakfast commences to work — 
Starts. — Looks at his hands. — Excited) What's the matter 

with my hands! 1 never in my whole life. — What's the 

matter with my hands! — Have I worked in the devil's 
coal yard? (rubbing his hands in various ways) It will 

not come off! — Is it the fault of the water? Or — the 

fairy of yesterday? — Pshaw? What the devil is the 

matter with my hands — (jumping up. — Shrieking) It is 
Cholera Morbus! — I don't know, but I feel so strange, — my 
limbs are so stiff, — and my stomach ! — What's the matter 
with my stomach? — Have I caught cold? — Have I swal- 
lowed snakes and scorpions? — How is my pulse? (feels 
his pulse) It runs Dexter like ! — My head is so heavy — 
and my stomach — (feels his stomach and lisieris) No ! It 
is all right there! — Pshaw ! — But imagination! (laughs) 
"Captain George Washington you are an ass," as the Capt. 
used to say. (sits down) Donner und Blitzen was ist mit 
meinen Haenden? — (looks at them contemplatively) Are they 
the hands of a white man ? — No, they are not ! — How 
strange I feel ! (looks about, — rises, — walks to the other 
bench, — takes a hearty draught from the bottle and returns 
to his seat) Now I feel better ! — But what will the Captain 
say? — Pshaw ! he won't find it out and I won't tell him. 

My stomach is all right now. — only my hands, 1 will 

give them a good. scrubbing and they will be all right too ! — 
The Captain returns. — But would'nt he jeer when he sees 



25 

my hands. {During the remainder of the scene a number of 
times he looks at his hands startled by their appearance and 
is anxious to hide them from, the sight of other persons near 
J dm.) 

Enter Captain. 

Capt. {putting the pitclier on the table. — Sits down at hi* 
bench, fetches the bottle, looks at the contents and to- 
ward Henry — Aside) Henry has been at my bottle, I am 
sure, — he hides his face, the honest chap ! {going toput 
the bottle to his month, hesitates,— wipes the mouth of the bot- 
tle with his apron, — puts it to his mouth, drinks. — Stops drink- 
ing without removing the bottle. — Then slowly removing the 
bottle — unconscious of spilling some of the con tints, — contem- 
platively looking at his hand. — Aside) What's the matter 
with my hand? — And the other too! — White like sheep V 
wool,— I mean like wool ! — {manipulating the hands affect- 
cdlyin various manners) I cannot trust my eyes ! — It is the 
reflex of the bottle, {removing the bottle from one hand to the 
other) No ! It is not ! {rubs his eyes) No ! It is nature, as 
I live, pure, innocent nature!— But how the devil can that 
be? — {meditatingly) I remember that for some time past it 
has seemed to me as though my hands were becoming every 
day fairer, but to-day the change seems marvelous ! 
{during the remainder of the scene he affectedly shows Ms 
hands) And that white rascal spurns the idea that a fairy 
could fall in love with me? I guess I'll let him know a 
thing or two. {aloud) Henry, you spoke very insolently 
about the "black man" last night. How often shall I tell 
you there are no "black men" in this enlightened commu- 
nity. There are no black men, sir! No colored men, sir! 
No colored people. No uncle or aunt, no Caesars, no Han- 
nibals, no Pompeys, sir! That's played out, sir ! — 

Henry. Don't grow warm, Captain, I meant no harm, 
you know. 

Enter Mrs. Col. Fancy and Josephine. 

Mm, Fancy, {looking at the Captain. — Aside) There he 
sits, the detestable villain, patronizing the bottle again! 
I must stop that or he escapes me again. {Stealing toward 
the Captain snatches the bottle,) 

Capt. (startled. — Aside) Prince of demons! — It's her- — 
I am done I — 

Mrs. Fancy, {surprised) Is it you? — {looking at Henry) 
There he sits ! {walking over to Henry.) 

Josephine, {meanwhile having appraoched Henry) Good 
morning, sir! {recognizing the Captain in him) Ah ! It is 
you? {looking to the Captain) There he sits! {walking over- 
to the Captain.) 
4 



26 



Henry, {astonished) How is that? 
She wishes me good morning and 
walks to the Captain ? 

Mrs. Fancy (to Henry. — Cere- 
moniously) I should deem it a hap- 
py incident to find the gentleman 
at his ease after all the exciting ac- 
cidents he has gone through. 

Henry, (astonished) How? — 

Mrs. Fancy. Is the gentleman 
to-day condescending enough to 
grant me an interview? 

Henry, (amazed) How ? — 

Mrs. Fancy. I hope the gentle- 
man will pardon me when I suspect 
in the way he receives me, a new- 
diplomatic trick to mystify me. 

Hy. (bewildered. Rises) How !— 

Mrs. Fancy, (putting her hand 
upon his shoulder and making him 
sit down) The gentleman would be 
mistaken should he think himself 
able to escape me now. 

Henry, (frightened) N — o ! — 

Mrs. Fancy, (surprised) How? 

Henry, (trembling, looking abouty 
No ! — Ma'ra ! 

Mrs. Fancy, (surprised) How ? — 

Henry, (looking about. — Tremb- 
ling) No ! — Ma'rn ! 

Mrs. Fancy, (sharply) How ? 
No, ma'm ? 

Henry, (wildly) Yes, ma'm !' 
(aside) Mine God, she is mad! 
How to escape her. (jumping up, 
is forcibly pushed doivn.) 

Mrs. Fancy ( sneer ingly)I should 
think, sir, you should know by 
this time that I am determined not 
to make a fool of myself by letting 
you off. No! Sir !— No !— Never! 

Henry, (aside) I must unite in 
her views, or I am done. She 
is dangerously crazy ! 

Mrs. Fancy. Josephine has told 
me all, and I know your abomina- 
ble rascality ! So? my fine gentle- 
man mailes love to her behind my 
back ? 

Henry. Why — yes. ma'm, — no 
madam ! But — Josephine loves 
me. 

Mrs. Fancy, (wrathful) You, 
wretch, have the impudence to 
tell me this in my face? 

Henry, (astonished) Why, — mad- 
am ? — Yes ! How can it harm you ? 

Mrs. Fancy, (in great rage) How 
it can harm me? — You villain, to 



Jos. (to the Captain — Ceremon- 
iously) I am very happy to have 
hit upon the time when the gentle- 
man is not occupied on his usual 
private errands, (court esying.) 

Capt. (astonished) How — ? 

Jos. You need not put on such 
astonished looks, — I know all ! 

Capt. (bewildered) How — ? 

Jos. Do not play the innocent, 
for I know that you are deceiving 
me. 

Capt. (collecting himself) I as- 
sure you that I meant honorably 
by you. 

Jos. Honorable does not mean 
when you give the same assurance 
to another. 

Capt. I think you must know 
that 1 would not care a snap for 
her. 

Jos. So? — there is another then ! 
Oh, me ! Miserable girl ! (crying) 

Capt. You know well, Joseph- 
ine, that she has made up her 
mind to catch me under any con- 
ditions, and that she will play all 
kinds of tricks to accomplish net- 
object. 

Jos. (crying) How should I 
know that ! — Have you ever told 
me one word of it ? 

Capt. I think, Josephine, you 
should have known it long since. 

Jos. And you never made love 
to her?— 

Capt. Never, Josephine, upon 
my honor ! 

Jos. I am sure you have never 
hinted to her that her affection for 
you is not unpleasant ! I am sure 
you never did. (crying) 

Capt. Until I knew you, she 
may have thought that the feeling 
was mutual, but since that time- — 

Jos. And this has been going on 
so long, and I knew nothing of it r 

Capt. You know, Josephine, to 
get rid of her is not so easy — ■ 

Jos. You never told her of our 
relations? 

Capt. How could I dare, Jos- 
ephine, only think- — 

Jos. (inrage) Where is she thaS 



27 



ask me thus after all those con- 
temptible tricks you played to 
make me believe in your affection ? 
Think of the scene with my danc- 
ing shoe? 

Henry {alarmed) It is not my 
fault! — He ordered me to fill it 
with water ! — 

Mrs. Fancy. How?— (aside) It 
is a new trick to escape me, I am 
sure, and that huzzy participates 
in it ! — I will quickly find it out — 
[calls) "Josephine !" — 



I may tear out her heart! — The 
vile wretch who would rob a poor 
girl of the only thing she could 
call her own ! — 

Capt. Your passion blinds you ! 
Do you not see that she is still 
present? (pointing toward Mrs. 
Fancy — Anxiously) But compose 
yourself, this is not the right 
time — 

Jos. She?— My mistress? — But 
never mind she shall — (answering) 
"Yes, madam." 



Mrs. Fancy and Josephine meeting in middle of scene. 

Capt. (aside) A storm is approaching and the lightning 
will strike my poor head ! 

Henry, {aside) Am I dreaming? — 

Jos. Madam, I am told — 

Mrs. Fancy, (interrupting. — Pointing to Henry) That 
man tells me you are in love with him- — 

Jos. (excitedly runs toward Henry) Did he ! — 

Mrs Fancy, (aside) Now comes my time, but I must get 
rjd of Henry, (walks to the Captain.) 

Jos. (to Henry) You contemptible coward ! You have 
told her that I am in love with you ! — 

Henry. But Josephine, dear, why should I not tell the 
truth !— 

Capt. (aside) Now I am done ! — She comes ! — 

Mrs. Fancy, (to Captain) Look 
here, my good man, you can do 
me a great fa-vor by absenting 
yourself for half an hour. 

Capt. (astonished) How's that, 
madam? My estimable friend in- 
dulges in — 

Mrs. Fancy. Don't talk such 
nonsense 1 Begone now ! — I will 
send Josephine presently to bear 
you company. 

Capt. (astonished) That you 
will do? — Your generosity, my 
most estimable — 

Mrs. Fancy, (aside) The fellow 
is unwilling to go ! — I must get 
rid of him. (gives him a dollar.) 
(aloud) Here my man, to have a 
merry time besides ! Now begone. 
(walks toward Henry. ) 

Capt. (amazed. — Looking at the 
dollar) Do I dream, or is it all 
reality? — Things begin to alarm 
me,' — 



Jos. (astonished. — To Henry) 
The truth? — He says he tells the 
truth, the cowardly hypocrite! — 
■Have I ever said or done anything 
that could give you the least ex- 
cuse to believe such utter impossi- 
bilities?— 

Henry, (amazed. Aside) She is 
crazy too ! — (aloud) Josephine, 
how can you talk this way, after 
all that has passed between us ! — 

Jos. (crying) The fellow is 
crazy ! — 

Henry I move in a dream 
still, (looks at his hands .) 

Jos. (crying) He is completely 
crazy ! — But I see now, — it is a 
trick of hers! — (looking toward Mrs. 
Fancy. — Perceives her giving money 
to Captain. — —Excited) Hah ! — ■ 
What's that ! — (in great rage moves 
toward Mrs. Fancy, meeting her in 
centre.) 



"28 

Jos. (to Mrs. Fancy) Then it is you who have caused 
all this trouble by your sinful passion ! — 

Mrs. Fancy. Are you crazy, girl? — You forget that I 
am your mistress ! — 

Jos. (in rage) Playing all mch contemptible tricks to 
blind me and the world! — 

Mrs. Fancy, (in rage) You huzzy, you dare- — 

Jos. (in rage) I am only a poor honest girl, but you are 
an old hypocritical- — 

Mrs. Fancy, (grasping at her) I will murder you I 
You — 

(Captain and Henry meanwhile having riien from their 
benches.) 

Henry. (shouting) Help, Captain, she will murder her! — 

Capt. (shouting) Help, Henry, there will be a murder I 

(Captain and Henry boih hasten to part them, meet. — 
Look each other in the faces. — Recognizing themselves 
in one another- — rebound. — Look again, and with a 
fearful shriek fall to the floor as if dead ) ■ 

(Mrs. Fancy and Josephine affrighted, part and look at 
the men on the floor.) 

Mrs. Fancy. What's that !— Is the whole world mad ! — 

Jos. (crying) My poor Henry ! — He has been murdered ! 

Mrs. Fancy, (shrieking) They have shot each other 
during our squabble! (frightened) Josephine, what a 
fearful deed ! — And we were present and will be put on 
the stand as witnesses — perhaps arrested as accessories, 
for they fought on our account ! — (falling on Josephines 
neck. — Crying) Oh, Josephine, we are undone! — We will 
be hanged by the neck ! — Come I — Come I — Come !— (tries 
fo drag the resisting Josephine with her.) 

Jos. (crying) My poor, honest Henry— 

(Meanwhile both men beginning to give signs of life, — re- 
move, slowly craxviing from each other to the side walls, — 
suddenly bounding tip — anxious to reach the door, knock 
against one another, — with the shrieks "My Ghost!" 
they fall down again, near Mrs. Fancy and Josephine, 
wh& meanwhile had approached the door.) 

Jos. (shrieking') They are mad ! — They are mad ! — 
Mrs. Fancy (at first bewildered, then grasping Joseph- 
ines arm. Excited) Josephine,- — now I see it all !— We 
are the victims of a low, contemptible conspiracy ! — {louder) 
I see it clearly now.— [in rage) It is a new trick of that 
abominable man r the- Captain ! — But I will have my re- 
venge, as sure as I am alive f — I will make an affidavit 
upon oath against him for breach of promise ! — (aside) The 



29 

white rascal I will have arrested and tried !— Come Jose- 
phine ! — [Drags Josephine out. Exeunt both.'] 

Capt. {after a while cautiously raising his head and drop- 
ping it again. — Aside) It is still there ! — 

Henry, [cautiously raising his head and dropping it again. 
Aside) My ghost is there still !— 

Capt. {raising his head) Still there! {moves slowly to 
the door. — Suddenly jumping up to pass the door is accosted 

by) 

Enter two Policemen. 

1st Police, {talcing hold of Capt.) Stop, friend ! — You are 
Henry Klein, — we arrest you ! — 

Capt. {excited) I am Captain George Washington !— 
But — Well ! Anything you want, only fetch me from this 
awful place ! — [Exeunt Policemen with Captain.] 

Henry, {slowly getting up) They have gone ! — I am alone 
now {looking wildly about) and saved from this terrible 
sight ! — What was that ? — An apparition ? — Or flesh and 
blood in my own body ! — {slowly approaching his work- 
bench — sitting down) But how can it be my own body un- 
less a Siamese twin of mine. Nonsense ! I never was 

grown upon an other body as far as I can remember !— 
And how can it be my body which I still have and feel, 
and I am no ghost either ! — {looks suddenly at his hands.— 
Jumping up) I am perhaps the devil himself! — Nonsense-! 
{knocks) {trembling) Come in ! — 

Enter Bank Clerk. 

Bank Clerk. Good morning, Sir !— I have brought your 
deposit of $2, 000. 

Henry. You are mistaken, sir. 

Bank Clerk. Labelled with the name of Henry Klein. 

Henry, {excited) That's me, sir ! 

Bank Clerk, {surprised, looking at Henry. Smiling) Oh, 
certainly !— I understand ! Please give me your receipt in 
this book, {presenting a book and pen) Here, on this line ! 

Henry, {hesitating) But I can not write English. 

Bank Clerk, {smiling') I understand !— Please make your 
three crosses then {—{Henry doing so) Now, sir, here is 
your deposit, {hands him a paper parcel) You will convince 
vourself that the seals are untouched.— Good morning, sir? 

[Exit Bank Clerk.] 

Henry, {bewildered.— Looking at the parcel) Can that be! 
Is it a dream or reality !— Or is it— "Yah ! Es ist Hexerey !" 
The packet will disappear when I open it,— or will fly 
away as a bat,— or stones as big as my head will be found 



so 

inside of it! — {looking at the Captain's work-bench, — iralks 
to it, fetches the bottle and empties it in long, eager draughts) 
Hah ! — I have courage now, any amount of courage ! — 
{returns to his bench — sitting down) Let me see now whether 
it will disappear and leave nothing but ashes and the smell 
of brimstone ! (The peculiarities of intoxication appearing 
and gradually increasing. — Looks at the packet contempla- 
tively. — Looks about. — Fetches hammer and cobbler s strap. — 
The packet on his knee, puts it under the strap, the hammer 
near at hand, cautiously opens the packet. — Pulls so?ne green- 
backs out) Hundred ! — Hundred! — As I live ! — And they 
don't fly away either ! — And all my own money ! — Here it 
stands ? — Herr — Heinrich Klein, — Washington, — North 
Am — -erica ! — My own — honest mon — money ! — I must 
put — it away — Hick ! — The Cap — in — my boots, — my 
treasure — my all. {trying to put the packet in his boot lets 
it fall. — attempts to pick it up, repeatedly catches instead 
Mrs. Fancy s shoe. — Pressing it with both arms to his breast) 
My own, My all. — (sinks upon his bench asleep.) 

Enter Josephine. 

Josephine, (cautiously approaching. — Aside) Henry is 
not here, but the Captain. I will ask him where Henry 
is. (aloud) Where is Henry, Captain ! — He is drunk! — 
(shaking Henry) Where is Henry? 

Henry. H enry — Klei n Wash — Washi ngton — 

North My money boot — fatherland lager 

Josephine. Hah!- — What is it he means? — Money, — 
boot, — Henry Klein ? — Hah! What's that! (perceives the 
packet, picks it up, — reads) Henry's name is on it 1 (opens 
the packet. — Crying) It is Henry's money! — Henry's mon- 
ey ! — -And this wicked man had it in his possession ! — ■ — 
What shall I do ! ; — It's Henry's money, 171 take it and 
restore it to him !— Quick ! — Before he awakes! 

[Exit Josephine.] 

Henry. My — own — treasure — my — all — boot — shoe- 

dancing shoe. 

Enter Mrs. Fancy. 

Mrs. Fancy, (cautiously approaching) He is there still, 
asleep and drunk, as I live ! — threatening) Whether drunk 
or sober, asleep or awake, you shan't escape me !— He got 
the deposit returned, I wonder where he has got the money. 
{eagerly searching his pocket, brings out some pennies and 
various gimcracks) That's all I can find ! — He has hidden 
it somewhere. — Hah ! — What's that ! — He has something 
clutched to his breast ! — There it is, I am sure ! — (vainly 
endeavoring to loosen his hands) I will open your fists, my 



31 

fine gentleman ! {taking an instrument from the bench, — 
applying it) there is a parcel as sure as I live ! — 

Henry, {disturbed in his sleep) My — own — treasure, 

my all ! — No ! — don't — you — shan't — get — ■ 

Mrs. Fancy, {eagerly) His treasure? — His all ! — I will 
get it — [forces out the shoe. — Henry's arm sinking down. — 
Excited) What's that? — My own — dancing shoe! — {con- 
templatively looking at the shoe) His treasure? — His all — ? 

{smiling) Can it be possible? — No! no! No? — Why 

no ?- Poor man, perhaps I judged thee too sharply ! 

With all thy faults, there was hidden, perhaps, in thy in- 
nermost heart, a feeling for justice and fairness,— and the 
image of the being whose tenderness of heart — {crying) was 
so often — displayed — before thy — very eyes ' — Poor man ! 
I will put him aright ! {gives Henry a more comfortable 
position) — {knocks) There is Mrs. Justice Smith! — What 
must I do now ? — Come in ! 

Enter Mrs. Justice Smith, her Husband with Babe. 

Mrs. Justice. I meet you here, Mrs. Fancy, as agreed 
upon. Your sworn affidavit shall be acted upon, should 
my personal persuasion fail. — Where is your intended? — 

Mrs. Fancy. Here he lies, but I am sorry to say he is 
sick. 

Mrs. Justice. I hope not so sick as to be unable to an- 
swer some pertinent questions. 

Mrs. Fancy. I will support him, Mrs. Justice ! {She 
sits down beside Henry, puts her arm around his person, 
thus supporting the upper part of his hack, and enabling her, 
bg a slight push, to cause a motion forward.) 

Mrs. Justice, {sitting down on a chair, which her husband 
has brought. — With great dignity) Captain George Wash- 
ington ! This respectable lady complains that, by means 
of the most persuasive and convincing actions, you have 
won her virtuous affection, — that, having gained the pos- 
session of her whole heart, you did not hesitate to boast- 
ingly present this fact to the profane sight of your fellow 
men, thus establishing the undeniable evidence of such re- 
lations between you and this respectable lady, which in 
an honest way can only lead to matrimony ; but that you, 
maliciously, feloniously, and shamelessly have attempted 
to disregard them, by throwing yourself in the arms of a 
white woman, — thus not only sacrificing your honor and 
diginity as a gentleman of the color and a gallant soldier, 
but also betraying the tender feelings of this virtuous wo- 
man ! — I herewith ask you, merely informally of course, 
but frankly, whether I have stated the case truly ? 

Mrs. Fancy {pushing Henry s head forward.) 



32 

Mrs. Justice. I rejoice to perceive your consent ! — Are 
you then still devoted to her ? 

Mrs. Fancy {pushing Henry s head forward.) 

Mrs. Justice. Then she is still 

Henry, (disturbed by a hard push, becoming slight' y con- 
scious) My treasure — my — all — ! {clutching his arms up- 
on his breast and letting them fall again.) 

Mrs. Justice, (to Mrs. Fancy) My sweet friend, I see 
now the circumstances in reality. Your ardent love has 
mislead you ! — I sincerely congratulate you, and expect to 
see you and your intended in my office to tie the knot. — 
Good-bye, my friend ! 

[Exeunt Mrs. Justice Smith, Husband with Babe.] 

Mrs. Fancy, (crying) Oh 1 I knew his noble heart! — 
I knew it! (hugging him) Noble, high-minded man ! — But 
what shall I do now? To leave him alone would be dan- 
gerous. Who knows but he might escape me again when 
recovering from his stupor. I think I'll give nature a lift 
as! so often did in times past under equally trying cir- 
cumstances, {holding a smelling bottle under his nose. He 
struggles violently) I knew it would avail, {repeats with the 
same result.) 

Henry. No! Don't! — My treasure — my 

Mrs. Fancy. Be is coming to himself, — he feels my 
sympathetic presence. 

Henry, (rubbing his eyes and somewhat sobering) My — 
treasure — Where am I! -That horrid voice 

Mrs. Fancy, (looking in his face — smiling) Be easy, my 
friend, you are with me. 

Henry, (starting up, — looking at his hand — shrieking) It 
is Hell itself! [Henry Exit.'] 

Mrs. Fancy, (perplexed) Was it a trick? — Was the 
whole thing a sham ? — Be it as it may, he shan't escape. 

[Exit] 



Scene II. — Police Court of the District of Columbia. Door 
and window to right, and door to left. Mrs. Justice 
Smith presiding. District Attorney, Clerk, 
Crier, Bailiff. Husband and Babe to Mrs. Smith 
attending near the bench. Reporters of Republican , 
Chronicle, Evening Star, Capitol, in their usual places. 
Usual audience. 

Clerk. District versus Henry Klein, white ! 

Crier, (calling) District versus Henry Klein, white ! 

Enter Captain conducted to the bar by Policemen. 



Mrs. Justice. The District will state the case! 

District Attorney. "May it please your Honor! — The 
prisoner at the bar, being a white man—" 

Capt. (interrupting) I am no white man, I am Cap — 

Mrs. Justice, (to Capt.) Silence ! 

Dist. Atty. "May it please your Honor ! — The prisoner 
at the bar, being a white man, and—" 

Capt. (excited) I say I am no white man, I am Capt— 

Mrs. Justice, (to Capt.) Silence ! Prisoner at the bar. 

Dist. Atty. (continuing) " — and journeyman of — " 

Capt. (wildly) I am no journeyman either, I am 
Captain — ■ 

Mrs. Justice, (to Capt.) I caution you, prisoner, that 
these repeated interruptions of the proceedings must be 
looked upon as contempt of the Court — 

Capt. May your Honor please! — My most estimable 
lady ! I am the prisoner at the bar as far — but not — 

Mrs. Justice, (continuing. — Sharply) Contempt of the 
Court, and treated as such ! — The District Attorney will 
proceed ! — 

Enter Potomac and Tiber, mingling with the audience, and 
taking their places at the window to right. Attentively 
observing. 

Enter Josephine. Attempting to approach the Captain, is 
rudely elbowed bach by the audience. — Attempts by sig- 
nals to attract his attention. 

Dist. Atty. (continuing) " — and journeyman of Captain 
George Washington — " 

Capt. (excited ) That's me ! — 

Mrs. Justice, (sharply) No more interruptions, prisoner '!- 

Dist. Atty. (continuing) " — our well known compatriot 
and distinguished fellow citizen ! — : " 

Capt. (excited) That's me, Capt — 

Mrs. Justice. I am determined to maintain the dignity 
of the Court and will allow no more interruptions ! 

Dist. Atty. (continuing) " — is accused of having, wil- 
fully, maliciously, and feloniously, assumed the qualities 
and immunities of a gentleman of the color, — " 

Capt. (shouting) That I am, and I am proud of i± !— 
The— 

Mrs. Justice. The Bailiff will stand by the prisoner at 
the bar and be in readiness to gag him upon notice, which 
shall be given upon any further interruption !— 

Dist. Atty. {continuing) " — a misdemeanor provided for 
by Act of Congress of July 4th, 1876, and to be summarily 
tried and corporally punished." — ■ 
5 



34 

Ccvpt. {shouting) The whole thing is a fraud! — -I — 
Mrs. Justice, {to Bailiff) Gag him! — 

(Bailiff attempting to gag Captain, accomplishes it after 
hard struggling.) 

Capt. {resisting — Shouting) I say it is — a fraud ! — 

I am — Captain — Geo. Washington — a — rascal ! — stop! — of 
the color! — Oh, departed — spirit — of the great— Charles, 
stand by me ! — Stop ! — I — {inarticulate cries. — Capt. is gag- 
ed and handcuffed) {Laughter in the audience.) 

Crier. Silence in the Court! 

(Captain moves frantically about.) 

Mrs. Justice. The prisoner at the bar will stand still or 
may expect to be manacled also ! — {to Dist. Atty.) It is the 
opinion of the Court that no testimony is necessary for 
complainant. The accused has given incontrovertible evi- 
dence against himself, {to Capt.) Prisoner at the bar, 
what have you to say in your defence? 

Capt. {frantically moving about. — Suddenly motionless, — he 
perceives Josephine, who is signaling, and Potomac 
and Tiber. — Attempts to draw the attention of the 
Court to them.) 

Tiber, {to Potomac. — Low) It is time for us to retire, 
we attract attention. 

Potomac, {low) Let us tarry a little longer. Have no 
fear ! — 

Mrs. Justice. As the prisoner has nothing to say in his 
defence, the Court — 

Dist. Atty. May it please your Honor ! It appears to 
me that the prisoner desires to summon witnesses. 

Mrs. Justice. Is it so, prisoner? — 

(Capt. nods affirmatively.) 

Pist. Atty. May it please your Honor. Such being the 
case I would ask your Honor to allow him to be ungagged. 

Mrs. Justice. Bailiff, ungag the prisoner! {it is done?) 

Josephine, {approaching the bar. — Crying) I will be his 
witness ! — 

Capt. To convince the Court, that I am Captain George 
Washington — 

Jos. {to Capt.) Don't — Don't, Henry! — Do not talk in 
this way, it will harm us both, Henry ! — 

Capt. {excited) Will you swear, girl, that 1 am Captain 
George Washington — 

Jos. {crying) How can I swear to that, Henry dear. 

Capt. {in rage) You won't ? You serpent that I warmed 
on my breast! — Get out of my sight, you Delilah, who 
would betray me to the Philistines! — 



Jos. (crying) Henry ! — My dear Henry ! — 

Mrs. Justice. Put the witness on the stand and swear 
her in ! — 

Capt. (excited) No, — no! She is no witness of mine! — 
I do not know her ! — I never saw her in my whole life! — 

Jos. (crying) Don't Henry ! — 

Capt. (excited) The whole thing is a trick of that Vam- 
pire of a widow, I see it now! (pointing to Josephine) She 
has been bribed! — No! I don't know her, and I did not 
mean her either, but that old gentleman standing over 
there, (pointing to Potomac) I request his examination 
under oath ! He will testify — 

Mrs. Justice, (to Josephine) You may withdraw, girl ! 
(Josephine, removes to the door, crying) {to Copt.) You may 
thank the indulgence of the Court that after such a scene 
you are allowed to summon another witness, (to Crier) Call 
the witness lh— (to Capt.) What's his name? — 

Copt. His name is not known to me; he will tell his 
name himself. But I know him as a highly respectable 
gentleman, although a white man. 

Mrs. Justice. Crier, conduct the witness pointed out 
to the witness stand ! (to the audience) I adjourn the 
Court for two minutes. (Turns aside, takes Babe from 
Husband' s arm. — After a short nursing, returning it. — Faces 
the audience a,gain.) 

(Meanwhile the Crier approaches Potomac, the performer 
of whicJt, character meanwhile had turned his face aside 
in order to adjust, without being noticed, a black mask, — 
and leads him to the witness stand.) 

(Potomac on the witness stand turns his face to the pris- 
oner, appearing as Negro.) 

Capt. (lookirig amazed at Potomac. — Grasping his head. 
Exclaiming) It's a trick ! — A sham ! — -A fraud ! — The 
whole thing is a fraud ! — The whole world is mad ! — 

Mrs. Justice. Prisoner, is this the witness you wish to 
have examined? — 

Capt. (excited) No! — No! He is an imposter ! — A 

humbug ! — The devil himself! — All but my witness ! — 

Mrs. Justice. The gentleman may retire ! — (Potomac 
returns to Tiber. — ) (to Capt.) Prisoner at the bar, the 
complaint against you being proved, the Court sentences 
you to receive twenty lashes on the bare back at the pub- 
lic whipping post ! — Next case ! — (Capt. led away by door 
to right, struggling violently.) 

Enter Henry by door left, furtively looking about, hiding 
himself among audience. 



Clerk. District versus Benjamin — 

Mrs. Justice, (perceives Henry, — interrupting) Stop a 
moment! Captain George Washington, I want to see you. 

{Henry disregarding the summons, is pushed to the bar by 
audience.) 

Mrs. Justice. Your complaint I know ; you will be grat- 
ified to learn, however, that justice has already been done, 
and that the imposter suffers, at this very moment, the 
penalty of the law.. 

Henry. Oh I thank your Honor most devoutly. 

Mrs. Justice. And now I must remind you of your duty 
as a gentleman and christian, to appear as soon as possible 
with your affianced in my private office, that I may tie 
the knot. 

Henry, (with emotion) It is all out between us, your 
Honor ! She has changed her mind. 

Mrs. Justice. Impossible, Sir ! Was I not myself an 
eye-witness of her tenderness for you ? Impossible, I say ! 

Henry. I assure your Honor it is precisely as I said. 
She despises me now, and has shown it by word and deed. 
She loves another man, and that man is my own — 

Mrs. Justice. Horrible ! Your own — 

Henry. sad ! Despite his color and low, contempti- 
ble character, and after all the many proofs of our mutual 
affection ! 

Mrs. Justice. To the latter point I can testify myself. 
I know your feelings toward her. But I cannot imagine 
for what secret purpose she has suffered me to play the 
role I did, when admonishing you for your treacherous 
conduct. 

Henry, (astonished) How? — I did not behave treacher- 
ous toward her, and love her still, notwithstanding her 
faithlessness. 

Mrs. Justice. She has evidently made me a party to 
some mysterious scheme which I will find out soon. You 
may go now, I'll see you soon. — The Clerk will call the 
roll ! 

Enter Mrs. Fancy by door to right. 

Mrs. Fancy, (shouting) I'll have justice! I cry for 
justice ! 

(Henry, hearing Mrs. Fancy 's voice, hides himself among 
the audience and manages to reach the door to left unnoticed?) 

Mrs. Fancy, (at the bar) Your Honor will render me 
justice ! 

Mrs. Justice. Of course I will! By your unexpected 
and somewhat unceremonious appearance you have spared 



me a summons which I intended to issue. As you are 
present you may answer just as well. 

Mrs. Fancy. ( perceiving Henry at the door) There he is, 
the abominable monster ! (starts for the door ) 

[Henry exit ] 

Mrs Justice. Bailiff, bring her to the bar! {bailiff doing 
so in spite of Iter resistance. ) 

Mrs. Fancy, (excitedly) The monster shall answer for 
his treachery ! (will start for the door, is held back by 
Bailiff'.) 

Mrs. Justice, (sternly) Captain George Washington has 
made complaint that you have broken faith with him, and 
jilted him for a white man, his journeyman Henry ! His 
statements appear so creditable — 

Mrs. Fancy. Is it really possible! Has the monster 
mystified even you, the most clever and enlightened wo- 
man that adorns the bar of the Country ? (with animation) 
What a wonderful man ! 

Mrs. Justice. What do you say to the complaint of the 
Captain. Is it time that you jilted him for his journey- 
man Henry, a white man ? 

Mrs. Fancy, (excitedly) I? — I, a respectable and virtu- 
ous woman, — I, the widow of an honorable citizen and de- 
fender of the Country .— I should throw myself into the arms 
of a white wretch ? 

Enter Captain, led by two Policemen. Appears broken 
down in spirit and body. His movements are slow and 
apparently painful, one of his hands rubbing his back.) 

Capt. (perceiving Mrs. Fancy, starts. Aside) My cup 
is not yet full, alive I cannot escape her now ! (shudder- 
ing) Rather die than fall into her fangs! — 

Mrs. Justice, (to Capt.) You will answer some questions 
put to you, truthfully and fairly. 

Capt. Your Honor, my most estimable lady. I am 
aware of your questions, and will say thus. You are as 
wise a judge as Solomon was. Like the little innocent, I 
am claimed by two women, so you may halve me with the 
edge of the sword. I am done ! — 

Mrs. Fancy. What is the wretch talking ? I claiming 
him ? Never has such a thought entered my mind and 
never will. 

Mrs. Justice. Mrs. Fancy, he. affirms the alleged com- 
plaint, I am sorry to say. 

Mrs. Fancy. It is not so, it cannot be so! Let me 
question him myself, your Honor, (to Capt.) Did I un- 
derstand you to' imply that I was one of the women that 
claimed you ? 



Copt. Can I take it for granted that Mrs. Fancy lays 
no claim upon me ? 

Mrs. Fancy. Is the rascal mad ? 

Mrs. Justice. She says she does not. 

Copt. Then I will answer fairly and truthfully any 
questions she may choose to put. 

Mrs. Fancy. Have I ever degraded myself so far as to 
show that you were an object of interest to me ? 

Capt. ( hiding himself behind Bailiff) You have, madam. 
My most estimable friend ! — 

Mrs. Fancy, {excitedly) You contemptible wool- dyed 
liar, how can you say so ! 

Capt. Have you not lurked around the shop at all 
hours of the day ? 

Mrs. Fancy, {plunging upon Capt., held bach by Bailiff, 
in rage) You — ! You — ! — 

Capt. Have I not always found you in my path and 
been followed by you like my own shadow ? — 

Mrs. Fancy, {oid of breath) You — ! You — ! — 

Capt. Did you not set your own brood upon me as a 
spy, in order to find out all my doings ? 

Mrs Fancy, (in greatest rage) You — ! Oh, I burst! — 
You— ! - 

Captain. Did you not eagerly seek for opportunities to 
be alone with me? 

Mrs. Fancy, {shrieking) He is raving ! — Put him in 
iron ! Pinch him to death ! — Tear off his flesh inch by 

inch ! {falling in a chair exhausted) He is — {uttering 

inarticulately.) 

CapAain. Did you not cherish the hope that I would 
pop the question, and did you not make the most shameful 
advances to cause the desired effect. 

Mrs. Fancy, {panting) Water ! Water ! — 

Mrs. Just. Fetch her some water ! {a tumbler with 
water is put to her mouth, she drinks eagerly) I have heard 
enough, {to Capt.) You may go now, but beware to appear 
again as an accused before me! — I would not have believed 
such horrors and monstrosities was it not for Captain 
George Washington in whose veracity I have no doubt 
whatever. 

Capt. {animated) At last !--I knew I would be be- 
lieved ! Thanks to your Honor for your gracious acknowl- 
edgement, and should you ever need the services of your 
humble servant, Capt. George Washington will be happy 
to— 

Mrs. Just, {sternly) Begone now! — {Exit Capt.) Mrs. 
Fancy, you have put yourself in the most disgraceful situ- 



39 

ation. That you have mystified me, I will pardon on ac- 
count of our former relations, but whether you deserve my 
pity you may judge for yourself. — ■ 

Mrs. Fancy, {rising from the chair, wildly looking around) 

Then it was no dream ? And it is you who reproach 

me thus — who believe in these monstrous lies ? — You, 
Madam ? Do you know me so little ? 

Mrs. Just, {agitated) Hold your peace, Mrs. Fancy ! 
How can you dare ? 

Mrs. Fancy, {slotvly and impressively speaking) You 
speak of our former relations and with the same breath 
hurl me below the level of your pity? — Oh, Madam, how 
can you! — Me? Her true and faithful nurse, although 
not more than a child myself when Ellen was an orphan 
baby ? — Me ? who was her trusted friend when Miss Ellen 
grew up, her faithful confidant in all the joys and afflictions 
of her maidenhood — and — 

Mrs. Just, {softly) He silent, aunt Cora ! 

Mrs. Fancy, {slowly approaching Mrs. Just., and gradu- 
ally lowering her voice, when aside of Mrs. Just, speaking in 
whispers notunderstood by the public) and her trusted nurse 
again when Mrs. Smith needed nursing. — And who, in the 
whole, wide world was found worthy to be trusted when 

Mrs. Smith returned from her long journey abroad 

{she fetches, with a look of contempt upon Mr. Smith, the 
Baby, fondli?ig it — slowly sitting down aside of Mrs. Just — 
both the women engaging in a low conversation of aprparenlly 
tender character, fondling the Baby.) 

{Mrs. Just., during the speech of Mrs. Fancy gradually 
changing in her outer aspect, not without a visible inner 
struggle, from the stern and stalely person as site appears 
throughout, to the true woman as Nature has designed 
her sex to be.) 

Bailiff, {after whispjering with Hist. Attorney. — Calling) 
Silence in the Court ! — 

Mrs. Justice, {spring up — looking wildly around — appears 
as awaking from a dream and collecting her thoughts. 
Sternly) The Clerk will call the roll ! 

Clerk. District versus Benjamin F. Butler, white ! 
Crier, {calling) District versus Benjamin F. Butler, 
white ! 



40 



ACT III. 



Scene I. — Pennsylvania Avenue. People constantly pass- 
ing, occasionally Masks. Enter Capt. furtively holing 
about. 
Capt. I have not seen it again yet it haunts me still ! — 
What has become of you, Captain George Washington? 

Something you never were, a coward! But am I 

really Captain George Washington? That is the question! 
(looking about) Streets and houses have not changed or the 
people either, only I have. And I am in the process of 
changing still ! They arrest me because I deny to be 
Henry Klein, they punish me because I assert I am my- 
self; when I left the Court-room the first time, it was to 
receive twenty lashes, when J was leaving the second time, 
Mrs. Justice Smith paid me a handsome compliment for 
my veracity, recognizing me as the man I really am, and 
again, when entering the street even my best friends did 
not know me. They passed by without even noticing me. 
There come Policemen, one is my old friend Newman, will 
he know me ? I wonder ! 

Enter 2 Policemen. 

1st Pol. We can succeed only by chance, the rascal is 
too cunning. 

Capt. (aside) Who are they talking about ? 

1st Pol. As he is an old friend of yours it must be hard 
for you to be on such an errand. 

2d Pol. Why no ! An old acquaintance of mine he is, 
but not my friend. He is the greatest scoundrel living, 
and I am astonished indeed that Mrs. Justice Smith could 
believe a word of what he said about Mrs. Fancy. 

Capt. It is me they speak about, to be sure. I'll move 
nearer to find out whether tbey really take no notice of 
me. (does so.) 

1st Pol. Was it Mrs. Justice Smith, herself, that gave 
you order to arrest him. 

2d Pol. She herself. She said nothing but : — "Go 
for that lying rascal, Capt. George Washington, and bring 
him before me, dead or alive ; " but you should have seen 
how she said this. I should not be in his skin just now 
for any price in the w 7 orld. 

Capt. (shuddering — aside) Dead or alive I 

2d Pol. I think w T e will move on, no use staying here 
longer. [Exeunt Pol.] 



41 

Capt. Dead or alive ! — They are watching for me to 
bring me before Mrs. Justice Smith, dead or alive, and 
did not notice me when I stood so near them ? And New- 
man so sharp-eyed a fox though ? (meditating) How is 
that ? — (starting) By the spirit of the great Charles, I am 
invisible ! If not, would they not have seen me, knowing 
me so well ? Of course they would !— The circumstances 
considered, it is the best thing that could happen. I ought 
not to be afraid now either of Mrs. Justice Smith nor of 
that ogre of a widow, even my own ghost cannot harm me 
now. Surely not ! Let me try some experiments. We 
have Carnival to-day, what fun I will have! (laughing — - 
suddenly serious looking) To-day is Carnival? How is that, 
let me see? — Carnival indeed ! And I took him for my 
own ghost ! (laughing) If I ever was sold in my whole 
life it was here ! — And by Henry too ! — Who ever would 
have suspected that fellow of such a trick ! The rascal ! 
To imitate me and frighten me out of my wits by a mere 
mask ! (laughing) The thing is too good to get mad about ! 
I only wish my fine widow would encounter him, and in 
her eagerness would marry him right away ! She has 
shown some inclination for him and repudiated me in 
open Court, it needed only this to make me completely 
happy. — There he walks ! 

Enter Henry. 

Henry. I am wandering about like the Jew of old. 
Nowhere quiet and rest since Josephine's falsehood and 
that horrid apparition, (covering his face with his hands.) 

Copt, (aside) The mask gets loose ! 

Enter 2 Policemen. 

2d Pol. (to Henry) My friend ! Mrs. Justice Smith wants 
to see you. I will accompany you, come ! 

Henry. Willingly! — Oh, I know, I know! She will 
restore Josephine to me, come! — 

[Exeunt Henry and 2 Police.] 

Capt. Is not that an audacious fellow ! I gain respect 
for him, I dare say. But I am much mistaken in Mrs. 
Justice Smith should he not have to pay dearly for his au- 
dacity. I will witness the fun invisibly. [Exit Capt.] 



Scene II. — Private office of Mrs. Justice Smith. Entrance 
to rigid. Desk and usual outfit. Mrs. Justice, sit- 
ting at her desk. Mrs. Fancy, William, Josephine, 
standing beside her. Henry standing in front of Mrs. 
Smith. 2 Policemen and a number of male and fe- 
male Citizens. Capt. among them in the foreground. 



42 

Mrs. Justice. Captain George Washington, — ■ 

Henry, (interrupting) My name is — — 

Mrs. Justice. I desire not to be interrupted ! Captain 
George Washington, — 

Henry. Henry Klein, your Honor ! 

Mm. Justice. I supposed that name might remind you 
that I know how to guard my authority which has been 
assailed by you already beyond measure ! You stated be- 
fore me -in Court, when I reminded } 7 ou of your duty as a 
gentleman and christian to appear with your affianced in 
this office that I might make you one, that she had turned 
her affections from you to another man. 

Henry. Alas ! It is so, your Honor ! 

Mrs. Fancy, (excited) You inveterate — 

Mrs. Justice. Mrs. Fancy, will you please be quiet ! If 
not, I'll have nothing to do with the case. This I say once 
for all !— 

Mrs. Fancy. I will, your Honor. 

Mrs. Justice, (to Henry) Yon asserted furthermore that 
you loved her still, despite her supposed faithlessness. 

Henry. I did. 

Mrs. Fancy. Oh ! I knew his noble heart ! 

Mrs, Justice. Mrs. Fancy ! — 

Mrs. Fancy. Mum, your Honor! 

Mrs. Justice. Has your opinion changed meanwhile? 

Henry. It has not, your Honor. 

Mrs. Justice. You love her still ? 

Henry. I do ! 

Mrs. Fancy. The noble Mum ! 

Mrs. Justice. What would you say when learning that 
you had been mistaken and that she loves you still? 

Henry, (eagerly) I gladly would forgive her and be the 
happiest man on earth. 

Mrs. Fancy, (eagerly) Don't you see yet that you are 
mistaken? 

Jlenry. No, madam. 

Mrs. Fancy. No? — He says no ! Away then with all 

restraint ! (plunging upon Henry) Take me, my beloved 
husband ! (embracing him. ) 

William. My dear father ! (embracing Henry also.) 

Heniy. (endeavoring to shake them off) Donner und Blit- 

zen ! Hell is loose against me! (shakes' William off' 

who falls on the floor crying.) 

Mrs. Fancy, {desisting. — stupified) What's that ! 

Mrs. Justice, (angrily) What shall I think of that scene ! 
(to Henry) Will you explain? — 

Henry. I do not know what to think of it, it is a riddle 
to me. 



lo 

Mrs. Fancy. Hah ! Even now he shuns me, the monster i 

Mrs. Justice, (to Henmj — sternly) Did you not tell me 
you loved her still ? 

.Henry. I did, but — 

Mrs. Justice. Did you not tell me, sir, you would gladly 
forgive her and be the happiest man on earth — 

Henry, {eagerly) I did, your Honor, I did, but — 

Mrs. Justice. The happiest. man on earth, could you be 
persuaded that you had been mistaken? 

Henry, (eagerly) I did, but— 

Mrs. Justice. But! Sir! But? What? 

Henry. I supposed you to mean not her, but — 

Mrs. Justice. Whom then ? 

Henry. Josephine. 

Mrs. Justice. He is mad ! 

Mrs. Fancy. It is a new trick, your Honor! A new 
trick of the abominable monster! 

Henry, {pointing toward Mrs. Fancy) I never loved her, 
never complained of her faithlessness, I never thought of 
her at all, but of Josephine, to whom I was engaged. 

Jos. He is mad, your Honor. I never was engaged to 
him, never loved him, never had any dealings with him, 
except some clandestine addresses on his part, which I con- 
sidered as insults and treated as such. 

Mrs. Fancy. And of which your Houor is cognizant! 
(pointing toward Henry) There he stands now, the mon- 
ster, in all his abominable baseness! 

Henry, (deeply affected by Josephine s speech. — Lowly) 
Is it Josephine that speaks thus? It cannot be! (with 
emotion) J.osephine! How can you? — 

Mrs. Fancy. He is at his tricks again, your Honor. 

Mrs. Justice. He is evidently deranged in his mind. 

Jos. (to Henry) I am sorry indeed, but can I act other- 
wise, devoted as I am to another ? 

Henry, (deploringly lifting his ha?ids) Josephine ! (his 
eyes fall upon hisblack hands) It is perdi tion ! (sinking down) 

3frs. Fancy. It's an old trickof his ! 

Jos. The poor man ! 

Mrs. Justice. Lift him up and bring him home ! {to 
Mrs. Fancy) You are mistaken, Mrs. Fancy, the poor man 
is deranged. 

Mrs. Fancy, (anxiously) Are you certain, your Honor, 
that it is no trick of his ? 

Mrs. Justice, (sternly) It is not ! 

Mrs. Fancy. Then I will watch over him, the poor 
lonely man shall not perish from want of care. 

Henry is lifted from the floor and led out. Exeunt 
Henry and Mrs. Fancy.) 



44 

Mrs. Justice. Josephine stay, I'll speak to you, answer 
toe truthfully, girl ! Have you given him no reason what- 
ever for this strange infatuation ? 

Capt. (aside) Why the fool did not unmask is incompre- 
hensible to me! 

Jos. I assure your Honor, I never have. On the con- 
trary I have told him repeatedly, and he was aware of it, 
that my affections are devoted to another. 

Capt. (aside) Now is your time, Captain George Wash- 
ington ! (places himself in sight of Mrs. Justice) What 
fun I will have, invisible as I am. (makes faces toward 
Mrs. Justice — putting his fingers to his nose, etc.) 

Mrs. Just, (after a short meditation) Then I can only 
pity him, although I have good reasons for the belief that 
he is not indifferent toward Mrs. Fancy. It is the strang- 
est thing I ever have witnessed, I never in my whole life 
saw — (perceiving (he Captain s doings. In great agitation) 
such impudence and audacity ! Is the fellow mad ! 

Capt. (acting as before — aside) What fun ! 

Mrs. Just, (in rage) Is that fellow crazy ! (pointing 
toward Capt.) Arrest him immediately ! 

Capt. (seized by 2 Police. — Perplexed) How ? What ! 
They caught me by mistake, (tears loose — -jumps to the 
other side of the room) Find me now when you can! (is 
seized by 2 Pols.) How's that ! 

Josephine, (crying) He is crazy, too ! — 

Mrs. Just. Arrest the fellow and bring him to-morrow 
before me. I'll make him an example to all men who 
dare defy the dignity of Mrs. Justice Smith! — 

[Exeunt Capt. and 2 Pol.] 

Josephine, (crying) My poor boy !— 



Scene III. Pennsylvania Avenue. A number of Masks 
on the scene ana passing. Potomac and Tiber repeat- 
edly passing. Delineation of the Washington Carnival. 
Potomac and Tiber evince the greatest astonishment 
and seem bewildered when surroundrd by all sorts of 
grotesque masks, who are jesting ivith them. 
Tiber. I am frightened, Father Potomac ! 
Potomac. Are these beings mortals ? — I am bewildered, 
my daughter ! Let us get away as quickly as possible ! 
(starts) Hah ! What do I see':' 

[Enter Masks, representing inhabitants of the water.] 

Potomac. Our element, also, has sent delegates to this 
strange assemblage ! (rallied by some of these Mash) They 
recognize us, Tiber, no doubt. 



45 

Enter Neptune on Chariot, arrayed in (he usual garb and 
surrounded by his attributes and followers, jjass over 
the scene. [Exit Neptune.] 

Potomac, (excited) Hah !— It is He ! Our Father Pos- 
eidon in all his glorious splendor ! — Tiber ! I know now 
the character of this assemblage ! It is a festival in honor 
of Neptune, such as were celebrated by the followers of 
Romanus, the mortal offspring of my Cousin Circe,, on the 
banks of thy name-sake Tiber, far beyond the columns of 
Hercules. The glorious Poseidon himself comes to honor 
it with his sublime presence, and all these strange crea- 
tures surely are inhabitants of his endless empire, who ap- 
pear to pay their humble devotion to their sovereign Lord. 
Come, Tiber, let us join them. There, he returns. 
Enter Neptune on Chariot, with Followers. 

Potomac, (drays Tiber toward Neptune's Chariot. Both 
bend their knees. Procession slops. — To Neptune) Great 
Father of the world of waters, graciously deign to receive 
the homage of thy humble son Potomachus, who, prompted 
by mere curiosity assumed the mortal garb to mingle with 
those upon earth, and by doing so was fortunate enough to 
meet his sovereign Father. My daughter Tiber here begs 
to offer her homage with mine ! — 

Neptune, (with dignity) Thy homage, my son Potomakos, 
pleases me well, and I will not fail to remember thee favor- 
ably. As to thy daughter, I wish to give her a token of 
my good-will by inviting her to partake of my seat. 

(Tiber is lifted in the chariot. Procession moves on) 

Masks, (shout'ng) Hurrah ! — Bully for you ! — Three 
cheers and a tiger for Potomac and Tiber! — -Hurrah !— 

Potomac, (starling. — Shouting) J am sold ! Sold! (Pulls 
Tiber from the chariot and drags her to the front) Come, Ti- 
ber, come ! I have enough of these mortals ! Thou art 
right, they are neither strong in body or mind, but they 
are ingenious, and above all they can cheat even us immor- 
tals, for — they are "smart" ! 

[Exeunt Potomac and Tiber.] 



Scene IV. — Night. Workshop as before. Lamps on the 
benches. Clock yoinls to a few minutes to 12. Capt. 
and Henry lying by their benches asleep, their faces 
being turned aside, cannot be seen.*' Mrs. Fancy sit- 
ting by Henry and watching him. Josephine attend- 
ing Capt. 

*The performers of Capt. and Henry have rcaetmiried their proper char- 
acters. The faces are. turned aside to hide this fad in accordance with the 
progress of the performance. 



10 

Mrs Fancy. I think, Josephine, we may leave them to 
themselves without danger. It is almost midnight and 
they will sleep in their present positions as well as in bed. 

Jos. Oh, I cannot leave my poor Henry alone while he 
suffers from the cruel treatment he has undergone. But 
foryourkind interference he would have suffered still more! 

Mrs. Fancy. I appreciate your grief, Josephine, and will 
lend you my utmost aid and sympathy, and will stay here 
a little longer although the Captain may not need my care. 

Jos. I thank you sincerely, madam ! 

(The dock 'points to 12. — Oapt. and Henry moving 
uneasily about in their sleep.) 

Mrs. Fancy. He is going to awake ! — I wonder wheth- 
er he will try to give me the slip again. {Putting her arm 
around Henry.) 

Jos. He cannot sleep, my poor boy. I wish I could re- 
move him to the sofa. (Putting her arm around the Capt.) 

Capt. (groaning) I feel awful, — cannot move a limb ! 

Jos. I will assist you to the sofa, Henry. 

Capt. (aside) I am still dreaming! — lam Henry still. 
(Groaning .) 

Henry, (moving. — Jjow) How heavy I feel. 

Mrs. Fancy. Be easy, my friend, you are in my care. 

Henry. That horrid voice again! — lam still dreaming. 

Capt. (low) Where am I? — Is it Josephine who is with me? 

Jos. (softly) Yes, my poor boy. — 

, Capt. (uneasy) Josephine? — Then it was no dream? — 
What was it? — I saw — 

Henry, (low) That voice recalls to my memory hah ! 

(aloud) The ghost ! 

Capt. \ ( looking wildly at each other) No ! — it was a 

Henry. J dream ! — {looking at their hands) It was a dream. 

Capt. (groaning) But my back ! (Putting his hand upon 
his back.) 

Mrs. Fancy and Josephine, (attempting to quiet their 
charges, perceive the change in their faces'— '^scream and run 
toward each other, — see their respective charges on opposite 
sides.— Shrieking) His ghost! — (fall fainting to the floor.) 

Capt. \ (bounding up. — Shrieking) Ghost ! — Ghost ? — 

Henry. J Where? — No ! They are crazy !— 

Capt. (approaching Jos.) Josephine dear, what ails you ! 

Henry {forcing him back. — To Capt.) It's none of your 
bnsiness [—(lifts Josephine up and leads her to Captain's 
bench) Be easy, Josephine, I am with you ! 

Capt. (attempting to get hold of Josephine and to force 
Henry away. — To Henry) You impudent fellow ! (to Jos.) 
Josephine it is me ! 



47 

Mrs. Fancy, (slowly rising) What's that?- -He leaves 
me lying on the floor and is after Josephine after all, — the 
treacherous monster ! (approaching the Capt. behind his back.) 

Josephine, (coming to herself. — To Henry, softly) Is it 
you ? — ■ 

Henry. Yes it is me, Henry ! 

Capt. Yes, it is me, Josephine, dear, — Captain George 
Washington, gentleman of the color. 

Mrs. Fancy, (grasping the Captain's shoulder, pulling 
him back, — Excited) I will color you, you vile seducer! — 
What have you to do with that girl ? — 

Capt. (excited) What can that be to you, Madam? — Did 
you not discard me and make love to that white man ? — 
Did you not send me out of the room to be alone with 
him ? — 

Josephine, (springing up. — Excited) Yes, Madam ! Did 
you not make love to him? (pointing to Henry.) 

Mrs. Fancy, (pointing to Henry) I made love to him? — 

Capt. Yes, to him ! — And did yon not give me a dollar 
for that little service ? — ■ 

Mrs. Fancy, (excited) To you, you coward? — I gave the 
dollar to Henry ! 

Henry. That's a lie, Madam, you never gave me any- 
thing ! — 

Capt. (to Mrs. Fancy) And did you not offer me Jose- 
phine's company, too ! — 

Henry, (to Mrs. Fancy) And did I not always hear 
your horrid voice tingling about me when I was asleep ? — 

Josephine, (to Mrs. Fancy) And did you not use the 
most detestable tricks to mislead that honest boy ? { point- 
ing to Henry) You treacherous woman ? — 

Mrs. Fancy, (bewildered) Hah ! — It is a new conspiracy 
against me! — I see it all now ! — (crying) It is a new trick 
of that monster ! — (pointing to the Capt.) Of that base vil- 
lain ! — Hah ! (rushes to Henry s work-bench and picks up 
her dancing shoe, then to the centre near the door, fronts the 
others, holding up the shoe — solemnly) Look at this and 
tremble ! 

Capt. (uneasy. — Aside) What does she mean by that 
cursed shoe others? — 

Henry, (uneasy. — Aside) What can she mean by that 
shoe ? When I tilled it with water, I did it upon the Cap- 
tain's command. 

Mrs. Fancy, (as above) Mrs. Justice Smith shall do me 
justice ! — (going.) 

Capt. (rushing after her) Stop, madam ! (rubbing^ his back.) 

Mrs. Fancy. What is your pleasure, Captain George 
Washington ? 



48 

Capt. (uneasy) My estimable friend said — (rubbing his 
back.) 

Mrs Fancy, (solemnly) Mrs. Justice Smith shall do me 
justice ! (menacingly) Think of your treasure,- — your all ! 

Henry, (excited) Hah! (moving his hand to his boot) 
My money ! — 

Capt. {bewildered. — Aside.) What does she mean by that? 

Jos. (to Henry. — Whispering) He had it, but I took it 
away from him. 

Henry. Oh, Josephine! — It was not a dream then! 
(to Mrs. Fancy) I will go with you, Mrs. Fancy, to be 
your witness ! 

Jos. And so will I, Mrs. Fancy. 

Henry. The Captain is too dangerous a man, (pointing to 
Josephine) to see him at liberty. 

! Capt. (smiling) Cannot matters be amicably arranged ? 
(rubbing his back.) 

Henry. Give yourself in charge of that lady, Captain, 
(pointing to Mrs. Fancy) and I will be satisfied. 

Jos. 'Sol!— 

Mrs. Fancy, (solemn) So I! — 

Ca.pt. (significantly to Henry) In fall of all demands? — 

Henry. Yes, in full of all demands! — 

Jos. Yes, in full of all demands. 

Mrs. Famcy. Yes, in full of all demands! — 

Capt. (aside) In full of all demands. The money is 
safe and my conscience quieted ! As to Mrs. Smith, rath- 
er die than fall in her hands ! (aloud) Mrs. Fancy, my 
most estimable friend, fully appreciating the necessity 
of being taken charge of either by you or Mrs. Justice 
Smith, the thought of whom even makes me doubt my 
color, (rubbing his back) I prefer your charge, sure to re- 
main in that case forever Captain George Washington and 
a gentleman of The Color ! 

Mrs. Fancy, (embracing him — crying) My dear husband ! 

Enter William, from under the table where he ivas hidden, 
rushing upon the Captain. 

William, (embracing Capt.) My dear father ! — 

(Captain, Mrs. Fancy, William move toward the Cap- 
tains bench. Henry, Josephine to Henrys bench. 
Background changing to some picturesque view. Poto- 
mac appears in centre, Tiber approaching him with a 
train of her followers. She bends before Potomac, — 
he embraces her. — Tableau! Gradually sinking and 
changing in a vast river. Mount Vernon in view.) 



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